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RISK ASSESSMENT AND PREVALENCE OF HOSPITAL-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dr.Sila Aman, Dr.Iqra Zaheen,Dr.Unzila Tariq

Background & objectives: A major challenge to patient safety that has serious public health implications by changing the quality of life of patients and sometimes causing disability or even death is Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The true research and number remains unknown in developing countries. To estimate point prevalence of HAI and study the associated risk factors in a tertiary care hospital are the objectives of this study. Methods: A series of cross-sectional surveys were conducted between March and August in 2017 . A structured data entry form was used to acquire patient data when the were admitted to the hospital. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines were used to identify and diagnose patients with HAI. Results: Overall prevalence found of HAI was 3.76 per cent which includedmedical ICU (20%), Surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (25%),ward (20%) and paediatric ward (12.17%) were identified to have significant association with HAI. Major reasons of acquiring HAI were found to be, prolonged hospital stay, mechanical ventilation, use of urinary catheter and exposure to central air-conditioning had higher odds of HAI (P<0.05). Interpretation & conclusions: A progressive reduction was shown by HAI prevalence over successive rounds ofsurvey. There is a strong need of a conscious effort to be undertaken by all concerned to reduce hospital stay duration. Use of medical devices should be minimized and used judiciously. A priority of every healthcare providershould be healthcare infection control. Serious efforts and surveys should be undertaken in a planned and efficient manner to reduce HAI in healthcare facilities.

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