Assessment of Related Factors Influencing Surgical Site Infection Prevention among Surgical Patients

Abstract

Factors influencing surgical site infections (SSI) significantly increase morbidity, mortality and the health care costs particularly in resource limited settings like Nigeria. However, there is need to assess the factors influencing surgical site infection prevention among surgical patients. The objectives are to identify patient related factors, health care related factors and environmental related factors and the level of surgical site infection prevention. This cross-sectional descriptive survey aimed to assess factors influencing surgical site infection prevention among surgical patients. the sample size of 333 surgical patients, determined by using Taro-Yamane formula. Systematic sampling technique was used to select respondents and the study instrument used to collect data from the selected respondents at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Osun State, using a pretested, validated questionnaire. Data analyzed with SPSS version 27, showed that 84.6% of respondents endorsed environmental controls, such as operating room (OR) cleaning (86.4%), ventilation (83%), and sterilization protocols (84.5%). Approximately 84.83% emphasized that patient hygiene, preoperative compliance, and postoperative wound care, supported by optimal operating room conditions, reduce surgical site infection risks, with diabetes increasing vulnerability in suboptimal environments (83 agreements). Healthcare procedural-related factors, including protocol adherence (74.95% endorsement), were critical, yet 48.4% noted inconsistent compliance. Key findings revealed inadequate OR ventilation (OR=2.20, p=0.004), low patient compliance (OR=3.15, p=0.001), and poor healthcare worker adherence (OR=2.95, p=0.002) significantly increased SSI odds, with a 15.1% preventive rates. Recommendations include upgrading ventilation and sterilization systems, enhancing training, and improving resources. A multifaceted approach addressing environmental, patient, and provider-related factors is essential for reducing surgical site infection in low-resource settings.