Surgical Site Infection Post Cesarean Delivery Among Women Living in Kenya

Abstract

Among surgical participants, surgical site infections (SSIs) account for an estimated 33% of the burden of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Cesarean surgery (CS) is increasing globally and typically performed among women who are generally healthy and have few comorbidities for infection. This secondary data analysis sought to determine the prevalence of SSI post CS in Kenya using data from a project that implemented a hospital acquired infection surveillance and prevention program at three sites, including surgical care bundle practice. Enrolled women had a cesarean delivery at one of the hospitals and were contacted 14 days post-operation for wound assessment. Among 5087 participants who underwent caesarean surgery, 3254 (63.9%) were evaluated for SSI. Among those evaluated, 276 (8.48%) developed SSI post caesarean surgery. Higher blood glucose intra-operatively, length of hospital stay, hospital site, surgeon type, and surveillance call attempts were all associated with a higher likelihood of developing a surgical site infection. SSI rate of 8.48% is high when compared to global outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for facility –led multidisciplinary intervention strategies.