Journal of Nursing & Care

Surgical Site Infection Prevention Practice and Associated Factors among Nurses Working in Public Hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia: A Multi-center Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Ame Mehadi*

Background: Surgical site infections are the most prevalent type of healthcare-associated infections that have a detrimental effect on surgical patients and healthcare systems. If evidence-based strategies are applied throughout the management of surgical wounds, these infections can be mainly avoided. The safe practice of infection prevention by nurses, who serve as front-line caregivers, is essential to preventing these illnesses. However, there are few studies on this subject among nurses directly involved in providing care in Ethiopia.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the surgical site infection prevention practice and associated factors among nurses working in public hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 478 randomly selected nurses working in public hospitals in eastern Ethiopia from July 15 to August 20, 2022. Data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaires and observations. Descriptive statistics was done using frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation to summarize the study variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine factors associated with the practice of surgical site infection prevention and a p-value <0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association.

Results: The nurses’ good practice of surgical site infection prevention was 56.4%. Taking infection prevention training (AOR=1.69, 95%CI:1.11- 2.58), using infection prevention guidelines (AOR=2.45, 95%CI:1.34-4.47), having an adequate supply of wound care materials (AOR=1.81, 95%CI:1.21-2.71), having good knowledge (AOR=1.81, 95%CI:1.21-2.71) and having a good attitude (AOR=1.83, 95%CI:1.21-2.77) were significantly and positively associated with good practice of surgical site infection prevention.

Conclusion: Nurses’ surgical site infection prevention practice was poor and several modifiable factors were identified. Continuous in-service training on and consistent utilization of infection prevention guidelines, provision of adequate wound care supplies and close supervision are recommended to improve the practice of preventing surgical site infections.

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