Prevalence and Risk Factors of Surgical Site Infections in Tertiary Care Hospital of Lahore

Abstract

Background: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Services Hospital, Lahore, over three months to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of surgical site infections (SSIs) among healthcare staff, including registered nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals. A purposive sampling technique was used to gather data from 180 participants. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of surgical site infections (SSIs) among patients undergoing surgical procedures in a tertiary care hospital in Lahore. This research aims to identify and analyze the key risk factors contributing to SSIs, such as patient demographics, comorbidities, type of surgery, duration of surgery, preoperative care, and postoperative practices. Additionally, the study seeks to assess the effectiveness of current infection prevention measures and identify gaps in infection control practices. By exploring these factors, the study intends to provide actionable insights for healthcare professionals to enhance infection control protocols, ultimately reducing the incidence of SSIs and improving patient outcomes in surgical wards.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted over three months at Services Hospital, Lahore, to assess prevalence and risk factors associated with surgical site infections (SSIs). A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 180 participants, including registered nurses, doctors, and allied health staff. Inclusion criteria focused on registered healthcare professionals, while all other staff were excluded. Data was collected through structured interviews covering demographics, infection control practices, and perceptions on SSI risk factors.
Results: The study findings indicate that the majority of respondents were aged between 31-40 years (38.3%) and had professional qualifications ranging from a Diploma in Midwifery to a Post RN BSN. A considerable portion of the respondents had 6-15 years of experience. Awareness of SSIs varied, with approximately 45% indicating awareness, while 36% of participants expressed concerns about the adequacy of infection control policies. Regarding hand hygiene practices, 41.2% of participants reported non-compliance, highlighting a critical area for improvement.
Conclusion: Furthermore, 44.4% of respondents disagreed that bed availability impacts SSI risk, while 21.1% believed that antibiotic overuse contributes to SSIs. Compliance with aseptic techniques and handwashing practices revealed inconsistencies, with 45.5% of participants indicating insufficient adherence. Although 40% agreed that continuous training for SSI prevention is essential, a significant portion of the participants expressed doubts about current training adequacy.
Conclusion: The study highlights gaps in infection control practices and the need for standardized protocols, continuous education, and stricter adherence to aseptic techniques to mitigate SSI risks. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to enhance infection control and reduce the incidence of SSIs in healthcare settings