Abstract

Postoperative wound infection is a significant cause of nosocomial infections, accounting for 20%-25% of all
infections worldwide. Despite technological advancements in surgery and wound management, wound infection
remains the most common nosocomial infection, particularly in patients undergoing surgery. The study aimed to
assess the prevalence and factors associated with surgical site infections in the surgical ward at Fort Portal
Regional Referral Hospital. The study used a retrospective cross-sectional design and included men, women, and
children who would undergo surgical operations. The sample size was determined using the Kish Leslie formula
and a retrospective study was conducted from January to April 2022. The study analyzed data on surgical site
infections (SSIs) in the surgical ward of Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital, revealing a prevalence of 11.9%.
The study found that the risk factors for SSIs were rural residence, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, obesity,
tobacco use, HIV/AIDS, longer duration of surgery, previous surgical history, delayed wound dressing, and use of
a drain. These factors were found to be multifactorial, with some patients having multiple risk factors at play. The
study concluded that the prevalence of SSIs in Kabarole is high enough to warrant intervention.