Prevalence and factors of surgical site infections in surgical wards, Windhoek, Namibia

Surgical site infection (SSI) is a prevalent healthcare-associated infection worldwide, defined as any incisional infection occurring within 30 days post-operation or within 1 year in the presence of an implant. Healthcare-associated infections represent a significant threat to patient health and continue to pose a major global challenge.

This study aims to determine the prevalence of SSI and identify associated factors among patients in surgical wards who have undergone surgical procedures in Windhoek, Namibia.

This study was conducted in two state hospitals in Windhoek, Namibia.

This study employed a quantitative, hospital-based cross-sectional design, utilising a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent surgical procedures between March 2019 and February 2021.

The overall prevalence of SSI was 10.1% (95% confidence interval: 8.4% - 11.8%). Hospitals 1 and 2 had a prevalence of 11.5% and 8.7%, respectively. Factors associated with SSIs were found to be age groups 31-60 years, male patients, postoperative hospital stays ≥ 5 days, emergency surgery, abdominal and lower extremity surgeries, operation referred from other hospitals, previous history of surgery, 1 h-2 h duration of surgery and deceased patients. Diabetes mellitus, HIV/AIDS, cancer, malignancy and multiple comorbidities were also noted to increase the risk of SSIs.

The prevalence of SSI in this study remains high, and therefore, context-based interventions should focus on the factors identified to guide the effective management of patients.

This study provides evidence to improve surgical site infections in Namibia.