ASSESSMENT OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION RATES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Authors

  • Basmah F. Nawawi , Bader M. Alobayiah, Mohammed I. Almakrami , Saleh Aldhalai , Abdulrahman Alyassain, Huda Almazroie, Noha Almuhaimli , Noof Alhamoud, Jood E Alzohari, Abdulrahman Sulayhim, Khames T. Alzahrani Author

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a primary source of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for a significant percentage of all healthcare-related infections. SSIs can result in greater death rates, longer hospital stays, more revision operations, increased antibiotic use, and extra follow-up and rehabilitation. Multiple risk factors have been identified that can increase the risk of developing SSIs, including patient-related factors (e.g., age, comorbidities) and procedure-related factors (e.g., operation duration, type of procedure). Previous studies conducted in various regions have reported varying rates of SSIs and identified different risk factors. Providing information on the distribution, prevalence, and risk factors of SSIs in Saudi Arabia may contribute to improving the knowledge of this healthcare-associated infection in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. Objective: The study aimed to assess the rates of surgical site infections and associated factors among patients in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in several Saudi Arabian provinces between July - November 2024. The study included people over the age of 18 who had surgery in Saudi Arabian hospitals. A sample size of 384 patients was determined with a 95% confidence level and a 5% margin of error. A questionnaire was used to collect data, which was then analyzed using SPSS version 25. The Chi-square test was performed to examine the relationship between risk factors and the occurrence of SSIs, with a p-value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. Results: The study assessed surgical site infection (SSI) rates among 471 patients in Saudi Arabia, revealing significant correlations between demographic factors and infection outcomes. The majority of participants were Saudi nationals, with an average age of 34.3 years, predominantly female. Notably, S. aureus was the most common pathogen identified, particularly in general surgery cases. Higher infection rates were linked to surgery duration exceeding two hours and the prevalence of smoking. Importantly, 40.1% of patients received prophylactic antibiotics, which were associated with decreased infection rates. Statistically significant relationships were found between SSI risk and height and weight, emphasizing the need for tailored preventive measures. Conclusion: In conclusion, our study contributes valuable insights into the prevalence of surgical site infections and their associated risk factors among surgical patients in Saudi Arabia. The identification of Staphylococcus aureus as the predominant pathogen, alongside the significant associations with surgical duration, emergency procedures, and smoking, underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the risk of SSIs.

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Published

2025-01-15

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Articles

How to Cite

ASSESSMENT OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION RATES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS IN SAUDI ARABIA. (2025). CAHIERS MAGELLANES-NS, 361-375. https://magellanes.com/index.php/CMN/article/view/1227