Title: Prevalence and factors associated with hospital acquired infections in Kayunga district hospital, central Uganda
Abstract: Background: Globally about 2 million people annually suffer Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs), mainly patients hospitalized for other conditions leading to prolonged stay, increased morbidity and mortality. The magnitude of HAIs in Kayunga district hospital (KDH) was unknown in 2009; however, it is acknowledged that the lack of basic equipment and infrastructure compromises infection control practice making transmission of HAIs favorable. This study set out to estimate the prevalence and assess factors associated with HAIs in Kayunga district hospital (KDH) to enable the hospital management design interventions to address HAIs. Methods: We conducted a cross sectional survey in the first week of July 2009 in Kayunga district hospital; - with 100 bed capacity. One hundred in-patients who had spent at least 72 hours were recruited consecutively into the study. Face-to-face interviews with study participants were conducted using a structured questionnaire and an observational check list filled on each ward. Ministry of Health, Epidemiological and Surveillance case definitions were used to identify new infections categorized as HAIs based on the disease-specific incubation period. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 12.0; the primary outcome was having a HAI. Results: The prevalence of HAIs was 34.0% (34/100). Majority cases of HAIs had multiple infections (26.5%), followed by single infections; Respiratory tract infections (23.5%), Diarrhoea (17.6%), Urinary tract infections (14.7%) and others. Infection control practice on the wards was compromised by lack of hand washing facilities, lack of an isolation ward and lack of supplies for disinfection. HAIs in KDH were associated with having a surgical procedure at the current admission (OR 2.68, 95% CI: 1.10–6.53). Conclusion: The prevalence of HAIs in KDH is high necessitating enforcement and monitoring of infection control practices in the hospital. Creation of an isolation unit for highly communicable diseases in the KDH should be offered priority. The District Health Team should lobby to ensure that flowing piped water is available in KDH. Active surveillance of HAIs among Post operative patients should be instituted. There is need for a study to investigate the relationship between having surgery and developing a HAI. Abstracts for SupplementInternational Journal of Infectious DiseasesVol. 14Preview Full-Text PDF Open Archive