Prevalence of nosocomial infection and associated factors among paediatric patients admitted to Jimma medical center, Oromia region, southwest Ethiopia. Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background: Nosocomial infections are a significant public health problem worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of patients annually. However, studies on nosocomial infections specifically focused on paediatric patients in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of nosocomial infections and associated factors among paediatric patients admitted to Jimma Medical Center, Oromia region, southwest Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted from June 1 to 30, 2023. Data were collected from the medical records of paediatric patients. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select a total of 417 medical records. Data were collected using pretested and structured checklists. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6, and Statistical Package for Social Science version 26.0 was used for analysis. In the bivariable analysis, variables with p-values less than or equal to 0.25 were considered candidates for multivariable logistic regression analysis. In the multivariable analysis, a p-value less than 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 417 (92.87%) medical records met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 99 (23.74%) of paediatric patients developed nosocomial infections. Malnutrition [AOR=2.01; 95%CI:1.18,3.42], length of hospital stay [AOR=3.19; 95%CI:1.73, 5.90], antibiotics received at admission [AOR=4.76; 95%CI: 1.86, 12.15], being on mechanical ventilation [AOR=5.04; 95%CI:2.44, 10.43], blood transfusion [AOR=4.51; 95%CI:2.43, 8.35], and urinary catheter [AOR=3.26; 95%CI:1.72,6.18] were significantly associated. Conclusion: The finding of this study indicated that nearly one-fourth of paediatric patients developed nosocomial infections. Malnutrition, length of hospital stay, antibiotics received at admission, being on mechanical ventilation, urinary catheter, and blood transfusion contributed to the development of nosocomial infections. Therefore, the concerned bodies should focus intervention strategies on contributing factors to nosocomial infections among paediatric patients.