Determinants of Post-Cesarean Surgical Site Infections: A Study at Abebech Gobena Maternal & Child Health Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) is vital as surgical interventions, particularly cesarean sections (CS), are increasing worldwide. SSIs are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality post-CS, with about half of these infections being preventable through evidence-based strategies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of post-cesarean SSI at Abebech Gobena Maternal & Child Health Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in October 2023. Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted on women who underwent CS in 2022, using data extracted from electronic clinical records. Descriptive and analytic statistics, including bivariate and multivariate analyses, were performed using SPSS version 26. Results were presented in tables, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of post-CS SSI was 9.1%. Significant factors associated with infections included chorioamnionitis (AOR=23.66; 95% CI: 1.91-292.56), prolonged rupture of membranes (AOR=8.74; 95% CI: 1.04-72.98), and hospital stay ?7 days (AOR=13.49; 95% CI: 3.72-48.29). Additionally, a postoperative hematocrit below 33% was linked with doubled odds of infection (AOR=2.07; 95% CI: 1.04-4.12), and women with comorbidities had a threefold increased risk (AOR=3.04; 95% CI: 1.30-7.12). Conclusion and Recommendations: The SSI prevalence aligns with previous local findings. Key risk factors include chorioamnionitis, prolonged rupture of membranes, extended hospital stays, anemia, and comorbidities. Strategies targeting early detection and management of these factors are essential to reduce SSI rates. Keywords: Surgical site infections, prevalence, post-Cesarean, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.