Prevalence of surgical complicated wound and associated factors in adults treated at public hospitals

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds and their associated factors in hospitalized adults. Method: Cross-sectional study, approved by the ethics committee. We analyzed information from 251 patients undergoing surgery, at risk of surgical site complications, and admitted to seven public hospitals in Manaus (Brazil); information was collected through interviews, physical examination, and review of medical records from March to June 2015. The prevalence rate was calculated as the ratio between individuals with complications and patients at risk. To explore associated variables, individuals with and without complications were compared using bivariate analyzes and logistic regression, with a significance level of 5%. Results: 15 patients (6%) had a complicated surgical wound. The presence of ecchymosis (p<0.001), adjusted for male sex (p=0.047), and admission to the general practice (p<0.003) increased the probability of developing the complication by 10.1; 8.2, and 13.9 times, respectively. Conclusion: Identifying the prevalence of complicated surgical wounds in adults and its associated factors contributes to its epidemiological understanding, highlighting prevention targets and providing data for scientific comparison.