FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH INFECTIONS AT SURGICAL SITES IN WOMEN UNDERGOING CAESAREAN SECTION AND NATURAL BIRTH IN THE VALLE DEL CAUCA 2018-2023

Abstract

Puerperal endometritis is a common infection that affects women after childbirth, being more frequent in cesarean sections. It constitutes a public health issue due to its impact on mortality, with a rate of 17%. This is a cross-sectional descriptive observational study aimed at identifying the factors related to surgical site infections in women who underwent cesarean and vaginal deliveries in Valle del Cauca between 2018 and 2023. Data were collected by a regional Health Benefits Administrator (EAPB), covering information on 158 women reported with post-surgical infections.

The sample was 158 women with a higher proportion for young age, in ranges under 34 years, with an average of 25 years and a standard deviation of 7.4. The low socioeconomic stratum predominated with 57% (IQR 12.25). It was detected that 69% (IQR 23.25) of the infections occurred after cesarean section and 31% (IQR 12.25) after vaginal delivery. Regarding antibiotic prophylaxis, it was applied in 89% (IQR 24) of the cases, with cefazolin and cephalothin being the most common antibiotics. Complications occurred in a higher proportion in 60% (IQR 18) of women with emergency cesarean section.

In conclusion, multiple risk factors were related, among which early age, low socioeconomic level and limited access to education stand out. This leads to an increase in the incidence rate. Despite the wide implementation of antibiotic prophylaxis, a high rate of infections was noted, an increasing rate of these infections is indicated, with a diagnostic opportunity of 9 days average after cesarean section and 8 days after vaginal delivery, suggesting the need to strengthen prevention and control strategies, with early diagnosis of post-surgical infections to reduce complications in puerperal women who have undergone surgery.