Surgical site infections following caesarean operations at a Jordanian teaching hospital: Frequency and implicated factors

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSIs) following caesarean surgeries are common. The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of SSIs following caesareans at Jordan University Hospital during the 30 postoperative days and to identify factors associated with increased SSIs risk. Data regarding the occurrence of SSIs were collected both prospectively via follow-up phone calls and retrospectively via reviewing wound culture results and clinical notes. SSI cases were subsequently determined utilizing predefined criteria. Data relating to possible risk factors of SSIs were collected from patient interviews and hospital records. Risk factors for SSIs were identified via logistic regression. A high rate of SSIs (14.4%) was detected; implicated factors included body mass index ≥36 kg/m2 prior to pregnancy odds ratio (OR) 3.8, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.6-9.4, hospital stay longer than 3.5 days OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.6, having the operation at a gestational age greater than 40 weeks OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3-3.9. Receiving a higher weight-adjusted dose of the prophylactic antibiotic cefazolin was associated with lower SSIs risk OR 0.967, 95% CI 0.94-0.99. In conclusion, high rate of SSIs following caesareans was detected, and modifiable risk factors of SSIs should be incorporated into targeted policies aiming to reduce the rate of SSIs.