Incidence and parametric determinants of post-operative wound infections in a university teaching hospital

The incidence and determinants of post-operative wound infections in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu was studied. During the period of study (July 1983-June 1984) 218 surgical operations from adult males and females were investigated. The overall infection rate was found to be 27.98 percent. The incidence rate in clean wounds was 14 percent; in clean-contaminated 50 percent; in contaminated 66.66 percent and in dirty wounds 80 percent. Factors such as age, sex, nature of surgery, and antibiotic prophylactic cover which were found to have influenced the infection are discussed. The study underlines the need for a policy that will promote a more rational use of antibiotics, strict observance of ward aseptic routines and the establishment of effective Infection Control Programme where non exists.