Incidence of Surgical Site Infections Following Caesarean Section and the Associated Risk Factors at King Abdulaziz University Hospital

Abstract Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common post-operative complication, with reported rates of up to 15%. In Saudi Arabia, an incidence of 3.4% of SSI following caesarean section (CS) was reported. The risk factors associated with SSI following CS are the type of CS, maternal age, gestational age, pregnancy complications and others. The Aim of the Study is: To determine the incidence of SSI following CS and its associated risk factors among post-partum women at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). Methods: Design: A descriptive and cross-sectional design was used. Setting: Gynaecology and Obstetrics Clinics in KAUH. Sample: A convenience sample of 230 post-partum women, within 30 days post-CS. Data were collected over 5 months from November 2020 to March 2021. Tool: A questionnaire, self-administered questionnaire developed by the researcher consisted of five sections. Results: Three per cent was the incidence of SSI following caesarean section. The logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between SSI following CS and anaemia (B = 5.34, P = 0.008, 95%: confidence interval [CI] −17.14–239.3), body mass index (BMI) (B = 2.69, P = 0.015, 95% CI − 0.31–147), vaginal examination (B = 1.443, P = 0.008, 95% CI 80.36–10.41) and type of CS (B = 2.73, P = 0.038, 95% CI − 32.1–116.9). Conclusion: The incidence of SSI following CS was 3% comparable to the international rate. Anaemia, vaginal examination, BMI and emergency CS are the risk factors for SSI following CS. Further research should be done with a larger cohort sample in Saudi Arabia.