This comprehensive research study was undertaken with the goal to explore the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and identify their significant contributing factors within a specialized infectious disease hospital located in Chongqing. The span of the study stretched from 2017 to 2023, with the objective to provide valuable insights that could aid in formulating precise infection control strategies.
A retrospective cross-sectional survey method was utilized which combined bedside data collection with medical record reviews. Every year, during the last week of October, a determination of the infection status was conducted for all patients admitted to the hospital. Through the usage of statistical tools such as retrospective case-control and multivariable logistic regression analyses, various risks associated with hospital infections were identified.
The yearly compliance rate for the study surpassed 96%, while the noted HAIs prevalence fluctuated between 0.89% and 2.52%. Infections were largely found within general internal medicine, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS departments, contributing to 31.25%, 26.25%, and 23.75% of the cases, respectively. Predominantly, lower respiratory tract presented as the primary infection site, succeeded by bloodstream and urinary tract infections.
Klebsiella pneumoniae and fungi were identified as the keys infective pathogens. Antimicrobial drugs were employed moderately, largely as monotherapy, and were found to comply with the national guidelines, as indicated by an 82.84% pathogen testing rate. Notably, considerable risks for HAIs were associated with antibiotic use and existing cardiovascular diseases.
The research concluded that the lower respiratory tract, certain internal medicine departments, and specific patient categories are more susceptible to HAIs. Furthermore, imprudent antibiotic usage amplified the risk. To mitigate the HAIs prevalence, hospitals need to heighten their daily monitoring for high-risk departments and patients and embrace precise and effective infection control strategies. Enhanced focus on rational antibiotic use, regular infection monitoring, and pathogen culture is necessary.
Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1417645