Post-Operative Surgical Site Infection and Associated Factors at Hiwot Fana Specialized Comprehensive University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infection is the most common nosocomial infection that can cause serious morbidity and
mortality. It can lead to prolonged hospital stays, frequent readmissions, antimicrobial resistance, and increased
healthcare costs. However, there is limited evidence regarding post-operative surgical site infection and associated factors in Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude of surgical site infection and associated factors among patients who underwent a surgical procedure at Hiwot Fana Specialized Comprehensive University Hospital, eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 213 patients who underwent major surgeries from May to July 30, 2021. Data were collected using pretested structured questionnaires. Patients were followed at outpatient surgical clinics and through phone calls for 30 days after a surgical procedure. Surgical site infection was diagnosed based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s surgical site infection surveillance
criteria. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0. A P-value less than 0.05 was
considered statistically significant.
Results: The magnitude of post-operative surgical site infection was 21.6% (95% CI: 20.9, 22.3). Age greater than or
equal to 40 years (AOR= 2.57; 95% CI: 1.76, 5.74), emergency surgery (AOR= 1.21; 95% CI: 1.09, 3.23), and history
of previous surgery (AOR= 3.24; 95% CI: 2.16, 6.15) were found predictors of surgical site infections.
Conclusion: In this study, one out of five patients developed post-operative surgical site infections. Age, types of
surgery and a history of previous surgery were significantly associated with postoperative surgical site infections.
Hence, proper post-operative surgical wound management should be strictly implemented for patients of advanced
age, who have undergone emergency surgery, and who have a history of previous surgery to minimize the burden of
surgical site infections.
Keywords:  Surgical site infection, Hiwot Fana Hospital, eastern Ethiopia