Axis Journal of Medical and Biosocial Sciences (AJMBS)

PREVALENCE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN GENERAL SURGERY WARDS

Authors

  • Abid Hussain

    Author

  • Murtaza Khodadadi

    Author

Keywords:
Cross-Sectional Studies, General Surgery, Hospital Stay, Obesity, Postoperative Complications, Surgical Site Infection, Wound Infection
Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain among the most frequent postoperative complications, particularly in general surgery, where diverse wound classifications and varying patient risk profiles contribute to their burden. SSIs not only prolong hospital stay but also increase morbidity, cost of care, and compromise recovery. Identifying prevalence and risk factors in local settings is crucial to inform preventive measures.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of SSIs and associated risk factors among patients admitted to general surgery wards.

Methods: A five-month cross-sectional investigation was carried out in the general surgery units of a tertiary care hospital located in Islamabad. The study included 320 individuals who underwent either elective or emergency surgical procedures, recruited via consecutive sampling. A structured proforma was used to gather information on demographic characteristics, existing comorbidities, wound categorization, length of the operation, and post-surgical outcomes. Surgical site infections (SSIs) were diagnosed in accordance with CDC criteria. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, employing chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent t-tests for continuous data, under the assumption of a normal distribution. A p-value below 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of SSIs was 18.4%, with higher rates observed in contaminated (28.6%) and dirty wounds (37.5%). Longer operative duration, diabetes, and obesity showed significant associations with infection status (p <0.05). Patients with SSIs had a mean hospital stay of 11.6 ± 3.2 days compared to 6.8 ± 2.4 days in those without infection.

Conclusion: Surgical site infections remain a major concern in general surgery wards, particularly in contaminated and dirty wounds, and are significantly associated with prolonged operative duration, increased intraoperative blood loss, extended hospital stay, and comorbidities such as diabetes and obesity. Addressing these modifiable risk factors through targeted perioperative strategies is essential to reduce infection rates and improve surgical outcomes.

Author Biographies
  1. Abid Hussain

    MBBS, Dermatology, MO, DHQ Sheikhupura, Pakistan.

  2. Murtaza Khodadadi

    MSC, Microbiology and immunology , Comsats University Islamabad, Pakistan.

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Axis Journal of Medical and Biosocial Sciences
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Published
2024-11-30
Issue
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024): Axis Journal of Medical and Biosocial Sciences (AJMBS)
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Articles
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Copyright (c) 2024 Abid Hussain, Murtaza Khodadadi (Author)

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How to Cite

PREVALENCE OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN GENERAL SURGERY WARDS. (2024). Axis Journal of Medical and Biosocial Sciences, 1(1), 54-65. https://axisjmbs.com/index.php/home/article/view/10