Risk Factors of Surgical Site Infection among Infants: Descriptive Study

Background: Surgical Site Infections (SSIs) are among causes of infants increased duration of hospitalization and post-operative death. Aim: To assess the risk factors of SSIs among infants. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive research design was used in the present study to assess the occurrence of SSIs and to detect their risk factors among infants admitted in pediatric surgery unit at  Assiut university children hospital and subsequent outpatient clinic and home follow up.Two tools were used, a structured interview sheet to assess socio-demographic data and the possible risk factors for SSIs and observational check list were used to assess the SSIs occurrence. Results: It was found that 15.3% of the operated infants developed SSIs. Infant with history of nutritional diseases or on artificial feeding, infants who didn’t take bath before operation and infants who were nursed without hand wash or with the use of unsterile equipments had more SSIs. Conclusion: incidence of SSIs was considered high in infants who had the following risk factors: History of nutritional diseases, infectious diseases, unclean operation, formula feeding, emergency surgery, defect in hand washing and sterilization, using unsterile equipment and antiseptic solution before dressing. Recommendations: The pediatric surgeons and nurses should pay a more perioperative attention to prevent risk factors of SSI among infants.