Factors Influencing Ventilator-associated Pneumonia among Trauma Patients

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting ventilator-associated pneumonia among trauma patients admitted to trauma intensive care units. This study also aimed to provide basic data and help clinical practice in developing interventions for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia among trauma patients.Methods : This retrospective study analyzed data from patients in trauma intensive care units. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-squared tests, the ANOVA test, and logistic regression.Results : L-tube feeding (β=.36, p ＜.001), deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis (β=-.23, p ＜ .001), bronchoscopy (β=.22, p ＜.001), and head elevation (β=-.20, p =.003) affected the score of symptoms associated with pneumonia. The risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia included spine injury (odds ratio [OR]=3.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.23-7.51) and bronchoscopy (OR=3.5, 95% CI=1.38-8.86).Conclusion : It is crucial to acknowledge the risk factors for ventilator-associated pneumonia among patients in trauma intensive care units and establish a prevention strategy.