Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024

Abdurehman Seid Mohammed; Abate Assefa Kassaw; Rejeb Nesru Kemal

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12

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Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024

Abdurehman Seid Mohammed^*

, Abate Assefa Kassaw, Rejeb Nesru Kemal

Published in International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science (Volume 11, Issue 2)

Received: 1 January 2025 Accepted: 8 July 2025 Published: 18 August 2025

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Abstract

Background: Over the past three decades, infections following cesarean sections have increased markedly, with surgical site infections (SSIs) emerging as a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. This issue is especially critical in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, where reliable data on the magnitude and determinants of post-cesarean infections remain limited. These infections contribute to prolonged hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and elevated risks for both mothers and newborns. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-cesarean section infections and identify associated risk factors in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals between June 10 and August 30, 2024. A total of 472 medical records of women who underwent cesarean sections from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023, were reviewed using a systematic random sampling method. Hospitals were selected using simple random sampling. Data were entered and cleaned using Epi Info version 7.2.1.0 and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with post-cesarean infections. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was determined at a p-value < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of post-cesarean section infection was 17%. Key factors significantly associated with increased risk included: presence of clinical signs of infection (AOR = 4.37, 95% CI: 3.25-6.22), underlying co-morbid conditions (AOR = 4.72, 95% CI: 3.34-6.23), and operation duration longer than 30 minutes (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI: 2.32-4.43). Conclusion and Recommendation: The prevalence of post-cesarean infections in Addis Ababa was alarmingly high. Major risk factors included signs of infection, co-morbid illnesses, prolonged labor (>24 hours), previous cesarean deliveries, and extended operative time. To reduce infection rates, hospitals should enforce strict infection prevention protocols and maintain high standards of surgical practice.

Published in	International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science (Volume 11, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12
Page(s)	28-39
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Surgical Site Infection, Cesarean Section, Risk Factors, Maternal Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

References

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APA Style

Mohammed, A. S., Kassaw, A. A., Kemal, R. N. (2025). Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024. International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science, 11(2), 28-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12

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ACS Style

Mohammed, A. S.; Kassaw, A. A.; Kemal, R. N. Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024. Int. J. Biomed. Eng. Clin. Sci. 2025, 11(2), 28-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12

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AMA Style

Mohammed AS, Kassaw AA, Kemal RN. Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024. Int J Biomed Eng Clin Sci. 2025;11(2):28-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12,
  author = {Abdurehman Seid Mohammed and Abate Assefa Kassaw and Rejeb Nesru Kemal},
  title = {Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024
},
  journal = {International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {28-39},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijbecs.20251102.12},
  abstract = {Background: Over the past three decades, infections following cesarean sections have increased markedly, with surgical site infections (SSIs) emerging as a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. This issue is especially critical in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, where reliable data on the magnitude and determinants of post-cesarean infections remain limited. These infections contribute to prolonged hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and elevated risks for both mothers and newborns. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-cesarean section infections and identify associated risk factors in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals between June 10 and August 30, 2024. A total of 472 medical records of women who underwent cesarean sections from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023, were reviewed using a systematic random sampling method. Hospitals were selected using simple random sampling. Data were entered and cleaned using Epi Info version 7.2.1.0 and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with post-cesarean infections. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was determined at a p-value 24 hours), previous cesarean deliveries, and extended operative time. To reduce infection rates, hospitals should enforce strict infection prevention protocols and maintain high standards of surgical practice.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024

AU  - Abdurehman Seid Mohammed
AU  - Abate Assefa Kassaw
AU  - Rejeb Nesru Kemal
Y1  - 2025/08/18
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12
T2  - International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science
JF  - International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science
JO  - International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science
SP  - 28
EP  - 39
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-1301
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12
AB  - Background: Over the past three decades, infections following cesarean sections have increased markedly, with surgical site infections (SSIs) emerging as a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. This issue is especially critical in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, where reliable data on the magnitude and determinants of post-cesarean infections remain limited. These infections contribute to prolonged hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and elevated risks for both mothers and newborns. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-cesarean section infections and identify associated risk factors in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals between June 10 and August 30, 2024. A total of 472 medical records of women who underwent cesarean sections from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023, were reviewed using a systematic random sampling method. Hospitals were selected using simple random sampling. Data were entered and cleaned using Epi Info version 7.2.1.0 and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with post-cesarean infections. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was determined at a p-value 24 hours), previous cesarean deliveries, and extended operative time. To reduce infection rates, hospitals should enforce strict infection prevention protocols and maintain high standards of surgical practice.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Abdurehman Seid Mohammed

Department of Public Health, Saint Peter Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0003-2335-1508
Abate Assefa Kassaw

Department of Advanced Adult Health nursing Saint Peter Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Contact Email
Rejeb Nesru Kemal

Department of Public Health, Saint Peter Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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APA Style

Mohammed, A. S., Kassaw, A. A., Kemal, R. N. (2025). Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024. International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science, 11(2), 28-39. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12

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ACS Style

Mohammed, A. S.; Kassaw, A. A.; Kemal, R. N. Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024. Int. J. Biomed. Eng. Clin. Sci. 2025, 11(2), 28-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12

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AMA Style

Mohammed AS, Kassaw AA, Kemal RN. Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024. Int J Biomed Eng Clin Sci. 2025;11(2):28-39. doi: 10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12

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@article{10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12,
  author = {Abdurehman Seid Mohammed and Abate Assefa Kassaw and Rejeb Nesru Kemal},
  title = {Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024
},
  journal = {International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {28-39},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijbecs.20251102.12},
  abstract = {Background: Over the past three decades, infections following cesarean sections have increased markedly, with surgical site infections (SSIs) emerging as a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. This issue is especially critical in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, where reliable data on the magnitude and determinants of post-cesarean infections remain limited. These infections contribute to prolonged hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and elevated risks for both mothers and newborns. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-cesarean section infections and identify associated risk factors in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals between June 10 and August 30, 2024. A total of 472 medical records of women who underwent cesarean sections from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023, were reviewed using a systematic random sampling method. Hospitals were selected using simple random sampling. Data were entered and cleaned using Epi Info version 7.2.1.0 and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with post-cesarean infections. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was determined at a p-value 24 hours), previous cesarean deliveries, and extended operative time. To reduce infection rates, hospitals should enforce strict infection prevention protocols and maintain high standards of surgical practice.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Magnitude and Determinants of Surgical Site Infections Following Cesarean Section: A Retrospective Multi-Hospital Study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2024

AU  - Abdurehman Seid Mohammed
AU  - Abate Assefa Kassaw
AU  - Rejeb Nesru Kemal
Y1  - 2025/08/18
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12
T2  - International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science
JF  - International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science
JO  - International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Clinical Science
SP  - 28
EP  - 39
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2472-1301
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijbecs.20251102.12
AB  - Background: Over the past three decades, infections following cesarean sections have increased markedly, with surgical site infections (SSIs) emerging as a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. This issue is especially critical in low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia, where reliable data on the magnitude and determinants of post-cesarean infections remain limited. These infections contribute to prolonged hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and elevated risks for both mothers and newborns. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of post-cesarean section infections and identify associated risk factors in selected hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2024. Methods: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in selected hospitals between June 10 and August 30, 2024. A total of 472 medical records of women who underwent cesarean sections from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2023, were reviewed using a systematic random sampling method. Hospitals were selected using simple random sampling. Data were entered and cleaned using Epi Info version 7.2.1.0 and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with post-cesarean infections. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and statistical significance was determined at a p-value 24 hours), previous cesarean deliveries, and extended operative time. To reduce infection rates, hospitals should enforce strict infection prevention protocols and maintain high standards of surgical practice.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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