Abstract
Abstract: Background: Nosocomial infections, occurring >48 hours after admission without evidence of pre-existing incubation, pose a significant challenge in intensive care units (ICUs), particularly for patients with prolonged hospital stays. In the 21st century, these infections affect approximately 10% of hospitalized patients, with higher rates observed in ICU settings. They contribute to extended hospitalization, disability, and economic burden. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures in controlling nosocomial infections at Rwanda Military Hospital's ICU. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients admitted to the ICU at Rwanda Military Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. Data on nosocomial infections were retrieved from OpenClinic HMIS software, ICU registries, and patient files. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 21 and SPSS 21. Findings: Among 531 ICU admissions during the study period, 18% were identified with nosocomial infections. The infection rate was slightly higher in males (20%) compared to females (16.5%), with Enterobacteriaceae bacteria being the most common pathogens identified (35%). Conclusions: Nosocomial infections remain prevalent in our ICU setting, highlighting the importance of adherence to infection prevention guidelines. Poor implementation of these guidelines emerges as a significant risk factor for nosocomial infections. Key words: Nosocomial infection, Hospital-acquired infections, healthcare-associated infections, infection control, hand hygiene, multidrug resistance, antibiotic resistance, preventive guidelines.
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