A cross-sectional study on factors contributing to nosocomial infections in medical wards in Mengo Hospital.

Patricia Nalwoga; Salome Nyiramahoro; Benjamin Wathum Oromcan

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1880

Authors

Patricia Nalwoga Mengo Hospital Medical Laboratory Training School Kampala, Uganda
Salome Nyiramahoro Mengo Hospital Medical Laboratory Training School Kampala, Uganda
Benjamin Wathum Oromcan Mengo Hospital Medical Laboratory Training School Kampala, Uganda

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1880

Keywords:

Nosocomial infections, Risk factors, Medical wards, Mengo hospital

Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to determine the factors contributing to Nosocomial infections (NIs), common isolates, and their susceptibility patterns associated with NIs in medical wards in Mengo Hospital.

Method

A cross-sectional study involving 84 patients attending medical wards in Mengo Hospital from August 2024 to November 2024 was carried out. Upon consenting, study subjects were enrolled in the study. Samples were collected from the study subjects who presented with NIs and taken to the laboratory for culture and susceptibility testing. The results obtained were recorded and analyzed using statistical packages SPSS version 25 and presented as tables and figures with clear narratives under them.

Results

Out of the 84 patients recruited and studied, the general prevalence of NIs was high at 52.4%. Factors associated with NIs among the study participants were catheterization (70.5%), over a month hospitalization of patients (65.9%), and prior intake of antibiotics (56.8%). Commonly isolated microorganisms associated with NIs were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 11.9% (10/84), Candida albicans 10.7% (9/84), and Klebsiella pneumoniae 7.1% (6/84). Resistance profile ranged from 14.3% to 84.6%. Most of the isolates showed resistance against Ceftriaxone (84.6%), Ceftazidime (68.4%), and Nitrofurantoin (64.7%). Meanwhile, better sensitivity patterns were recorded against Amphotericin B (85.7%), Imipenem (84.6%), and Tetracycline (80%).

Conclusions

Nosocomial infections among patients at medical wards in Mengo Hospital are high (52.4%) and present a significant public health problem.

Recommendations

Given the high prevalence of NIs and antimicrobial resistance (AR), there is a need for public awareness, strict hygiene practices in medical wards, and the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs. Further research is essential to understand the epidemiology and resistance patterns of NIs to inform policy and guide effective interventions.

Author Biographies

Patricia Nalwoga, Mengo Hospital Medical Laboratory Training School Kampala, Uganda

A diploma graduate of Medical Laboratory Techniques from Mengo Hospital Medical Laboratory Training School.

Salome Nyiramahoro , Mengo Hospital Medical Laboratory Training School Kampala, Uganda

An experienced Laboratory Health Tutor at Mengo Hospital Medical Laboratory Training School, Kampala, Uganda. She has a master’s degree in clinical microbiology, bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory science and a post graduate diploma in Medical Education. She is a seasoned researcher as well.

Benjamin Wathum Oromcan , Mengo Hospital Medical Laboratory Training School Kampala, Uganda

Born in 1972 and a native of Zombo District in Uganda's West Nile region, is a Biomedical Laboratory Scientist and Health Educator of Alur ethnicity. He currently serves as the Dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences and Principal of Mengo Hospital Medical Laboratory Training School. With over 20 years of experience in medical laboratory sciences and health training, he is recognized for his leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Passionate about teaching and mentoring, Oromcan upholds professionalism and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and is dedicated to delivering high-quality service. Email: uromcan@gmail.com; oromcan@mengohospital.org; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2462-5637.

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