Determinants of post-caesarean wound infection at the University College Hospital Ibadan Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors that predispose patients to post-caesarean wound infection at a tertiary health institution in developing country.

METHOD: It was an observational study of all women that had caesarean (elective and emergency) delivery between July and September, 2004. The outcome of their post-caesarean wound was assessed. Statistical analysis (Bivariate and logistic regression) of the identified risk factors in patients who developed wound infection was performed at a 95% level of confidence.

RESULTS: The post-caesarean wound infection rate was 16.2%. The identified risk factors were lower educational status, multiple pelvic examination, offensive liquor at surgery and patients that are unbooked. Following logistic regression, women with up to primary school were 20 times more likely than those with secondary education and above to develop wound infection (95% CI OR = 1.8 to 250.0).

CONCLUSION: The outcome showed that the identified determinants of post-caesarean wound infection were comparable with earlier reports. Women with lower educational status are more at risk in this study. Therefore, these women need special attention to reduce the risk.