Study of Methods for Preventing Surgical Site Infections in the General Surgery Department of Herat Regional Hospital from the Beginning of Jadi 1404 to the End of Thawr 1405
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58342/MJ.V.3.I.2.9Keywords:
Surgical site infections, prevention of healthcare-associated infections, patient-related risk factors, operating-room conditions, quality controlAbstract
Background and Objective: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are largely preventable; however, they continue to cause significant morbidity, increased mortality, and financial burden for patients. Inappropriate use of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis is increasing and may negatively affect patient outcomes and quality of life.
Method: Data and relevant research information were collected from patients’ medical records and Health Management Information System (HMIS) reports. A total of 79 patients were randomly selected from the eligible patient population. This was a quantitative, retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study.
Findings/ Result: The highest number of cases was observed among patients aged 51–65 years, with 28 patients (35.4%), while the lowest frequency was found among those aged over 80 years, with 1 patient (1.3%). The gender distribution was nearly equal, comprising 40 males (50.6%) and 39 females (49.4%). Regarding the occurrence of SSIs, 11 patients (13.9%) developed an infection, while 68 patients (86.1%) remained infection-free. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes and kidney disease, were the most common risk factors, affecting 36 patients (45.6%), followed by obesity (27 patients, 34.2%), smoking (18 patients, 22.8%), and malnutrition (15 patients, 19.0%). Regarding surgical wound classification, clean wounds (29 patients, 36.7%) and clean-contaminated wounds (27 patients, 34.2%) accounted for the largest proportions. Other findings showed that 33 patients (41.8%) were immunocompromised, 29 patients (36.7%) required improvements in operating-room conditions, and 40 patients (50.6%) had a preoperative hospital stay of more than 24 hours.
Conclusion: The most important risk factors were chronic diseases, as well as modifiable factors such as obesity, malnutrition, and smoking. Immunosuppression, inadequate operating-room conditions, and prolonged preoperative hospitalization were also associated with an increased occurrence of SSIs. Therefore, strengthening preventive strategies, addressing locally relevant risk factors, and optimizing operating-room and preoperative conditions are recommended to reduce the burden of SSIs.
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