High rate of post cesarean section surgical site infections in Maternity ward at Kabgayi district hospital

Abstract

Background The post cesarean surgical site infection rate at Kabgayi district hospital represented 6.2% in 2015. Considering the fact that these infections are associated with negative impact to patients, staff and hospitals, this study aimed to reduce the post-cesarean surgical site infection (SSI) rate from 6.2 to 3% in 5 months period from November 2016 to March 2017 by implementing an effective patient hygiene to contribute to quality health care delivery. Methods A pre-and post-interventional study design was used. A strategic problem solving approach to conduct a baseline assessment, root cause analysis, then proposed, implemented and evaluated the intervention which was an effective patient hygiene before and after cesarean section. Results The SSI reduced from 6.2 to 3.5 %( P <0.005) by implementing the effective patient hygiene including pre and post-operative patient cleaning with water and soap, daily bed sheets change and every time they are duty, women putting on proper gown provided by the department, patient education in relation to surgical site infection as well as availability of policy and procedure regarding patient hygiene before and after caesarian section. Initially patients education was 30% and after intervention it became at 100%. No woman was cleaned by a midwife pre and post-operative but after intervention this was done for all women except extreme emergencies. To analyze the data a Statistical Package for the Social Sciences(SPSS) was used. iv Conclusion The results showed that by applying an effective patient hygiene the post caesarian surgical site infection was reduced. However, We reject The hypothesis (Ho) which is “Applying an effective patient hygiene at the maternity ward will not reduce the post cesarean surgical site infection at Kabgayi Hospital”. There is a need for regular supervision for the sustainability of the project. Similar settings experiencing poor patients’ hygiene can apply the same strategy to reduce Post CS SSI.