Abstract:
Background: Surgical site infections are the most frequent type of preventable hospital acquired
infections with a serious and undesirable outcome of surgery associated with increase morbidity,
mortality rate, hospital stay, readmission and excess cost. Surgical site infection prevention is one
of the most important challenge in delivering optimal nursing care. Studies suggest that the nurses’
practices of surgical site infection prevention is not well addressed. Moreover, there is clearly
paucity of information, in Africa including the study area.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess surgical site infection prevention practices and
associated factors among nurses working in government hospitals of Harari Regional State and
Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern Ethiopia from March 01 to 28, 2019.
Method and Materials: An institutional based cross-sectional study design was employed for a
total of 515 nurses. Simple random sampling method was used to select study participants. Data
were collected using pretested structured self-administered questionnaire supplemented by
observation. Data were checked, coded, entered and cleaned using Epi-data version 3.1 and
exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were undertaken and
p values less than 0.05 at 95% confidence interval were considered as statistically significant.
Result The overall self-reported level of SSI prevention practice was found to be 40.8% (95% CI:
36.9%, 45.4%). Nurses with BSc and above [AOR= 2.52, 95% CI (1.14, 5.54)], trained on IP
[AOR= 2.22, 95% CI (1.29, 3.82)], good knowledge [AOR= 2.21, 95% CI (1.32, 3.71)], good
attitude [AOR= 5.11, 95%CI (3.05, 8.57)], got supply of PPE [AOR= 2.57, 95% CI (1.46, 4.49)],
had management support [AOR= 3.41, 95% CI (1.90, 6.12)], experience of 5 to 10 years [AOR=
5.38, 95%CI (2.82, 10.27)] and >=11 years [AOR= 3.48, 95% CI (1.47, 8.25), were found to be
statistically and positively associated with nurses SSI prevention practice.:
Conclusion and Recommendations: In this study, the level of surgical site infection prevention
practice was poor. Being BSc and above, being knowledgeable and good attitude, got personal
protective equipment, had management support, serving for ≥5 years and trained on infection
prevention were found to be significantly associated with surgical site infection prevention
practice. Updating knowledge and practice of nurses through in-service education and training on
latest evidence-based practice, regularly supplying of personal protective equipment, developing
hospital policy and procedures for surgical site infection prevention practice is recommended
