Abstract:
Surgical site infections still the major global problem particularly, in developing
countries leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Advances in instrument sterilization and
infection prevention strategieshave notcountered the problem due to the development of drug
resistance. Such condition is serious in situation where inadequate culture and sensitivity services are
present and irrational prescribing of antimicrobial in Eastern Ethiopia.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of SSIs, bacterial etiologies, associated
factors and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of the bacterial isolates among post operated patients
admitted to public hospitals in Harari Region from March 16 to April 25, 2020.
Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 306 who were undergone
surgery based on convenience incorporating consecutive patients. Pre-tested structured questionnaire
were used for associated factors. Following standard microbiological techniques, wound swabs and
pus specimens were collected and transported to Harar Health Research and Regional Laboratory for
isolation, identification of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility test.After checking the completeness,
Epi Data version 3.5.1 was data entry software and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
version 20.0 was selected for analysis.P-value < 0.05 was declared statistical significance for the
association between dependent and independent variables.
Results: In this study the overallprevalence of SSI was 11.8% (95% CI: 8.3% - 15.4%).
Staphylococcus aureus (30.3%) was the most frequent isolate. Both S. aureus and Coagulase
negative Staphylo cocci were 100% resistant to Penicillin. Wound with drain (AOR = 24.538; 95%
CI: 10.053 - 59.898), diabetic (AOR= 7.457, 95% CI 2.893 – 19.221), elder age >60 years(AOR=
4.139, 95% CI 1.278 – 13.40), >2 hours surgical procedure time (AOR= 0.159, 95% CI 0.040,
0.630), alcohol (AOR= 2.58, 95% CI 1.091-6.102) and dirty surgical wound (AOR = 9.026; 95% CI:
3.503 - 23.255) were factors significantly associated with surgical site infections.
Conclusion: In this study the prevalence of SSI was moderate. Age >60 years, drinking alcohol,
duration of surgery, dirty wound classification; wound drain and diabetics were factors associated
with the occurrence of the infection. In this study single and multiple drug resistance to the
commonly used antibioticswere high. Therefore, intensifying the implementation of infection
prevention and patient safety measures and identifying etiological cause may minimize the burden
