Epidemiology of Wound Infection in A Surgical Ward of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern Ghana
Journal Title: International Journal of Medical and Health Sciences - Year 2013, Vol 2, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Wound infection is a global concern as it causes high morbidity and mortality with an associated high cost burden. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors influencing wound infections in a referral teaching hospital of Northern Ghana. Methods: A retrospective cross- sectional study where a month each was randomly selected to represent each quarter of the year 2012. Medical records in inpatient folders and nurses note books of patients admitted to the surgical ward diagnosed with wound infection by an attending physician were reviewed. Results: Out of the total of 1096 people admitted to the surgical ward under the period of study, 354 of them were diagnosed as wound infection (community acquired and nosocomial) cases resulting in an overall prevalence of 32.3%. The prevalence of wound infection was higher in males (61.5%) than in females (38.5%). The prevalence of community acquired and nosocomial wound infections was 60.2% and 39.8% respectively. The female gender (p<0.0001), living in a rural area (p=0.04) and diabetes (p=0.01) were found to be significant risk factors influencing wound infection. Conclusion: The prevalence of wound infection was relatively high with nosocomial wound infection accounting for approximately 40% of the total wound infections. The female gender, living in a rural setting and diabetes where significant risk factors that influenced wound infection in this tertiary referral hospital.
Authors and Affiliations
Stephen Apanga, Jerome Adda, Mustapha Issahaku, Jacob Amofa, Kuewu Rita Ama Mawufemor
Keywords
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