Healthcare-associated infections in a Tunisian University Hospital in 2017: Prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

Introduction Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) represent a major public health problem. Our study aimed to determine prevalence of HAI in Sahloul University Hospital, and their risk factors in order to redirect preventive measures and improve the quality of care. Methods A cross-sectional study of one-day prevalence with a single pathway was carried out in 2017. All services were included in the survey, except emergency and hemodialysis services due to their very short length of stay. We used a questionnaire, NosoTun plug (national HAI prevalence survey), filled beside all hospitalized patients, since at least 48 h. HAI risk factors were analyzed by step by step descendant logistic regression with a signification degree P Results In total, 307 patients were included. The mean age was 49 ± 22.16 years. The prevalence rate of infected patients was 10.4% (n = 32). The prevalence of nosocomial infections was 11.4% (n = 35). This prevalence was most frequent in intensive care units (40%). Infections on surgical site infections were the most frequent (n = 9; 25.71%), followed by respiratory infections (n = 8; 22.85%). In total, 26 germs were identified, the most frequent were Gram Negative Bacilli (53.8%). Retained HAI risk factors after univariate and multivariate analysis were obesity (P = 0.034), prosthesis placement (P = 0.020), central venous catheter (P = 0.000) and surgery (P = 0.006). Conclusion the present study showed that HAI are more frequent among patients who are exposed to invasive healthcare procedures. So, the results of this study should be considered in our strategy for preventing HAI.