Prevalence and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections at Three Tertiary Hospitals in the Copperbelt Province, Zambia

Abstract

Background Surgical site infections (SSI) occur following an operative procedure in a defined postoperative period as an adverse event, and result in high morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined diagnostic criteria for SSI, including classifying SSI into Superficial SSI. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, risk factors for developing SSI, and antimicrobial resistance patterns in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Methods This was a prospective observational cross-section study conducted at three tertiary hospitals in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia to assess the prevalence and risk factors for surgical site infections. Results A total of 1122 participants were included. Of these, 468 were females and 654 were males. A total of 19.4% of participants developed SSI. A total of 42.4% of participants had infection present at time of surgery. Most bacterial isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and gentamycin. Highest sensitivity was with ceftriaxone and chloramphenicol, followed by metronidazole. Serratia marcescens, Yersinia pestis, Corynebacterium species, and Enterobacter agglomerans have been identified as multidrug resistant organisms. Conclusion The prevalence of SSI at the three tertiary hospitals in the Copperbelt Province of Zambia was 19.4%. A total of 42.4% of patients who presented to the hospitals requiring surgery had infection already present at time of surgery.