Introduction: According to the World Health Organization, surgical site infections affect up to one-third of patients undergoing a surgical procedure, despite advances in surgical techniques and prevention.
The objectives of this study were to assess healthcare professionals’ knowledge of the risk factors for surgical site infections, and to evaluate the level of adherence to hygiene and barrier measures for patient safety at Makiso General Referral Hospital.
Materials and Methods: We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study involving all healthcare professionals working in the surgical, obstetrics and gynecology, and operating room departments of this facility from June 10 to 20, 2024. A total of 42 staff members were surveyed. Data collection included a questionnaire-based survey and non-participatory observation of hygiene practices. Data were collected from June 21 to 23, 2024. Proportions were used to measure healthcare professionals’ practices and knowledge regarding the risks of postoperative infections.
Results: A total of 42 healthcare professionals were included in the study. The average age of respondents was 38.6 ± 9.4 years. Among them, 40.5% correctly knew the definition of a postoperative infection. Only 28.6% stated that poor hygiene, lack of equipment sterilization, the surgical team, and the hospital environment were the main risk factors for postoperative infection. Compliance with barrier and hygiene measures during care, as well as adherence to operating room principles, was low among healthcare professionals.
Conclusion: Our findings show that poor hygiene practices and insufficient knowledge among healthcare professionals are major contributors to the occurrence of postoperative infections. Across all professional categories, 66.7% reported that strict adherence to hygiene principles in the operating room was not followed and that their application remained inadequate. These results confirm the weak implementation of quality-of-care and patient-safety protocols in the health system at Makiso General Referral Hospital.
Training of staff is crucial. Support at the intermediate level through formative supervision is necessary to combat postoperative infections.
Keywords: knowledge, practices, risk factors, surgical site infections, Kisangani
Citation: Esau, F. A. et al., (2025).Knowledge and Practices of Healthcare Personnel on Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections : Case of Makiso General Referral Hospital. J Medical Case Repo 7(4):1-6.
DOI : https://doi.org/10.47485/2767-5416.1135