Prevalence of Surgical Site Infection at Lekma Hospital in the Ledzokuku Municipality, Greater Accra Region, Ghana

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical site infection is one of the most common complications of surgery that leads to increased hospital stay and expenditure, unnecessary pain and psychological stress for surgical patients who develop this complication. Surgical site infection is the most common nosocomial infection amongst patients undergoing surgery. A limited number of studies have been conducted on prevalence of surgical site infections in Ghana, this study will help add on to data. Specific Objectives: The specific objectives are to assess the possible causes of Post-operative site infections, determine the indications for surgery and analyze the prevalence of Post-operative site infections at LEKMA Hospital. Method: The study adopted a retrospective cross-sectional design that used quantitative method (checklist, assessment tool) to gather data from patient health record, a structured questionnaire was administered to five health workers. A simple random sampling technique with proportional allocation was done for the selection of about 153 participants. The sample frame used was obtained from records on all surgical cases in LEKMA Hospital from January to December 2019. Data was analysed using STATA 14.0. Results: The prevalence of SSI for both elective and emergency surgery is 9.8%. A total of 153 participants, females represented 62% of all surgical cases and 60% of SSI cases whilst males represented 38% of all surgical cases and 40% of SSI cases. Emergency cases represented 70% of all surgical case and 60% of SSI cases, also elective cases represented 30% of all surgical cases and 40% of SSI cases. CPD accounted for 46% of all surgical cases and 67% of SSI cases, participants in the age group of 26years-32years accounted for 44.4% of all surgical cases and 46.6% of SSI cases. Appendicitis and Hernia contributed to 20% and 13 % respectively to SSI cases. Default on wound dressing, Tobacco use, Alcohol intake, and Pre-existing medical conditions are significantly associated with SSI at a p-value of 0.001. Conclusion: LEKMA Hospital has a low prevalence rate for surgical site infection, the highest indication for surgery is cephalopelvic disproportion, standard preoperative and post-operative procedures are observed. The most significant risk factors for surgical site infection at LEKMA Hospital are default on wound dressing and alcohol intake.