Abstract:
Background: A surgical site infection is an infection that occurs after surgery in the part of the
body where the surgery took place. Surgical site infections are still a major global problem,
especially in developing countries including Ethiopia, where they cause increased a significant
burden in terms of patient morbidity, mortality and additional costs to health system. There is a
dearth of information regarding surgical site infection in the Central Ethiopia, particularly in this
study area.
Objective: This study was aimed to assess the magnitude of surgical site infection and its
associated factors among post-operative patients at hospitals in Woliso Town, Central Ethiopia,
2023
Methods: Institutional -based cross-sectional study was conducted in two Woliso Town
Hospitals, from June to August, 2023. A total of 356 study participants were chosen through
systematic random sampling and interviewed face-to-face using a structured and pre-tested
questionnaire. Data were entered using EpiData 3.1 and then exported to SPSS version 26.
Binary logistic regression analysis was computed and variables with p-value < 0.25 were
considered a candidate for multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) with
95% confidence intervals was estimated to identify the association. Statistical significance was
declared at a p-value <0.05.
Results: A total of 356 study participants were included in the study with a response rate of
100%. The magnitude of surgical site infection among post-operative patients in Woliso town
hospitals was 12.1% (95% CI = 8.4%, 16%). The study revealed that smoking cigarettes
[AOR=4.63, 95% CI (1.75-12.46)]; absence of prophylactic antibiotics before surgery [AOR =
6.64, 95% CI: 42.60, 16.89] and didn’t use antibiotics medication as prescribed (AOR = 2.48,
95% CI: 1.09, 5.66]) were factors associated with surgical site infections.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The Magnitude of Surgical Site Infection in this study was
high. Smoking cigarettes, Antibiotics prophylaxis and medication compliance were significantly
associated with surgical site infection. Delivery of antimicrobial prophylaxis before surgery,
cigarettes cessation and taking medication as ordered were important measures to reduce the
incidence of surgical site infection. Strengthening continuous follow-up on the implementation
of infection prevention practices in the hospital, which is highly recommended to reduce the risk
and burden of surgical site infections
