Assessment of the Prevalence and Factors Associated with Post-Caesarean Surgical Site Infections among Patients in Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital

Abstract

The global incidence of cesarean section deliveries has significantly increased, resulting in a rise in post cesarean surgical site infections (SSIs). These infections pose a notable threat to maternal health, often leading to prolonged hospital stays, elevated costs, and direct health consequences, particularly in populations facing low socioeconomic status, limited resources, and conditions involving forced internal displacement due to conflict. Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital lacked prior studies on SSIs, prompting the initiation of this research to ascertain the prevalence and specific factors linked to post-caesarean SSIs within the Maternity Ward at FPRRH. The study adopted a retrospective cross-sectional approach, utilizing a pretested checklist to gather information from 110 patient files admitted and operated in Maternity Ward during the six months preceding the investigation. The collected data underwent entry and analysis using IBM SPSS version 25, incorporating the chi-square test to establish relationships between SSIs and associated risk factors. Results were presented through tables and charts. The mean age of study participants was 27.67 years, with a standard deviation of 6 and an age range of 16 to 45 years. A majority (64.3%) were over 30 years old, over 50% hailed from rural areas, and the majority identified as Christians and were married. The overall prevalence of post-caesarean SSIs stood at 12.7%. Statistically significant factors influencing SSIs included gestational age, diabetes mellitus, duration of membrane rupture, chorioamnionitis, preoperative hematocrit levels, and referral to FPRRH. In conclusion, this study revealed a 12.7% prevalence of post-caesarean SSIs, with gestational age, diabetes mellitus, duration of membrane rupture, chorioamnionitis, preoperative hematocrit levels, and referral to FPRRH identified as significant contributing factors. Recognizing and addressing these factors early on could guide obstetricians in enhancing their daily practices, ultimately improving the outcomes of cesarean sections and diminishing the risk of post-caesarean SSIs. Keywords: Cesarean section, SSI, Patients, Post caesarean, FPRRH.