The Risk of Neonatal Healthcare-Associated Infections at Three Teaching Hospitals in Rwanda.

BACKGROUND

Healthcare-acquired infections (HCAIs) are a substantial source of neonatal morbidity and mortality that also carry a financial burden on families and healthcare systems worldwide. However, little is known about common and factors related to HCAIs among neonates hospitalized in Rwanda. The study's objective was to assess the risk of neonatal HCAIs in three selected teaching hospitals in Rwanda.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted and stratified simple random sampling was used. Files of 273 neonates were recruited from 15 July to 30 October 2021. The data abstraction sheet was used in data collection. The data was analysed using logistic regression analysis, and the results were presented in tables.

RESULTS

The most common neonatal HCAI agent was Klebsiella pneumoniae affecting 142/273(52%). Neonates weighting ≥3.6kg (OR=0.09; 95% CI= 0.02-0.54), 2.6-3.5kg (OR=0.07, 95% CI = 0.01-0.42); 1.5-2.5kg (OR= 0.03 (95% CI= 0.01-0.22) were significantly less likely to have an HCAIs than neonates weighting <1.5kg. Maternal blood groups, especially AB and O, had significantly higher odds for HCAI, OR=2.37 (95% CI=1.1-5.1) and OR=3.1 (95%CI=1.32-7.26) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Low birth weight and maternal blood type were associated with HCAIs at the three study sites and the most common HCAI was Klebsiella pneumoniae.