Infection Control Practices and Surgical Site Infection Rates in Post-Operative Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Rural Hospital Setting

Abstract

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major concern in post-operative care, leading to increased morbidity, prolonged hospital stays, and higher healthcare costs. In rural hospitals, particularly in Gazipur District, Bangladesh, infection control measures may be inadequate, contributing to higher SSI rates. Objective: This study aimed to assess infection control practices, determine SSI rates, and identify risk factors among post-operative patients in 13 local hospitals in Gazipur. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted from January 2023 to December 2024, involving 200 post-operative patients who underwent various surgical procedures, including C-sections, appendectomies, cholecystectomies, and orthopedic surgeries. Data were collected through structured case report forms, patient interviews, and hospital records. Variables such as surgical type, infection control practices, patient comorbidities, and post-operative outcomes were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS to assess associations between variables. Results: The overall SSI rate was 30.5% (61 out of 200 patients). Significant risk factors for SSIs included diabetes (55.5% infection rate), obesity (75% infection rate), and smoking (46% infection rate). Emergency surgeries had a higher infection rate (41.1%) compared to elective surgeries (22.7%). Deficiencies in infection control, such as inadequate pre-operative antibiotic administration (35%) and poor hand hygiene compliance (62.5%), were associated with increased infection rates. Patients with longer surgeries (≥1 hour) had higher SSI rates (48.7%). Conclusion: The findings suggest that infection control practices, patient-related factors, and surgical procedures play a significant role in SSI development in rural hospitals. Strengthening infection prevention protocols, improving pre-operative management, and adopting minimally invasive surgical techniques could reduce SSI rates in resource-limited settings.