Incidence and Predictors of Surgical Site Infection after Emergency Cesarean Section among Women Given Birth at a Tertiary Hospital in Central Zone, Tanzania

Surgical site infection (SSI) following emergency cesarean section (EC/S) remains a common and widespread problem contributing to significant morbidity and mortality possibly due to the emergency nature of the surgical intervention. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and predictors of surgical site infections (SSI) following emergency cesarean section (EC/S) at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital (DRRH), where the rate is notably high. A prospective cohort study included 200 women who underwent EC/S at DRRH from February to May 2022. The follow-up of 30 days was done to assess the incidence of SSI. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Data obtained were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Among 200 participants, 17 (8.5%) were lost to follow-up, remaining with 183 (91.5%). SSI was identified in 25 (13.7%) participants whereby 23 (92%) and 2 (8%) had superficial and deep SSI respectively. The predictors for post EC/S SSI identified in this study by multivariate analysis included self-employed [P value = 0.006, AOR = 2.3, 95% CI (1.944 - 52.778)], being peasant [P value = 0.0011, AOR = 2.2, 95% CI (1.643 - 46.757)] and duration of rupture of membranes ≥ 8 hour [P = 0.022, AOR = 4.6, 95% CI (1.252 - 16.876)]. In conclusion, the incidence rate of SSI was notably high accounting for 13.7%. The predictors of SSI were being peasant, self-employed and prolonged rupture of membrane. Education on early hospital visit at term to avoid prolonged rupture of membranes and education on necessity of enough time for wound care after surgical intervention should be offered.