A Prospective Observational Study Tracking the Relationship Between Socioeconomic Factors and SSI Incidence in Orthopedic Patients

Objective: This prospective observational study aimed to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic factors and the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in orthopedic patients at Sir Sayajirao General Hospital (SSGH), Baroda, Gujarat. Socioeconomic factors such as income, education, occupation, and living conditions are hypothesized to influence the risk of SSIs following orthopedic surgeries. Methods: A cohort of 300 orthopedic patients, including both elective and emergency surgeries, was followed over a period of six months. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire assessing socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and surgical factors. Patients were monitored for 30 days post-surgery for the development of SSIs, which were classified according to CDC criteria. Results: Of the 300 patients, 20% developed SSIs, with 50% having superficial incisional infections, 33.3% deep incisional infections, and 16.7% organ/space infections. A significant correlation was found between lower socioeconomic status and higher SSI rates. Patients from lower-income groups (<INR 20,000/month) had the highest incidence (25%) compared to middle-income (15%) and high-income (5%) groups. Similarly, patients with no formal education had a 30% SSI incidence, while those with higher education had significantly lower rates (5%). Blue-collar workers experienced a higher rate of SSIs (30%) compared to white-collar workers (10%). Poor living conditions also correlated with higher SSI rates, with 35% of patients living in slum areas developing infections. The use of prophylactic antibiotics and shorter surgical durations were associated with lower infection rates. Conclusion: Socioeconomic factors such as lower income, education level, occupation, and poor living conditions significantly contribute to the incidence of SSIs in orthopedic patients. Interventions aimed at improving socioeconomic conditions, enhancing patient education on postoperative care, and ensuring timely access to healthcare may reduce the risk of SSIs in these populations. Further multi-center studies are required to validate these findings and explore effective preventive strategies.