Abstract

Background: Healthcare associated blood stream infection is the most common infection among children. Healthcare-associated bloodstream result in excess length of stay, mortality, healthcare costs as well as poor clinical outcome. There is scarcity of data regarding healthcare associated blood stream infections among the pediatric populations at Bugando Medical Centre and it is at the heart of this study to determine the magnitude and the associated risk factors of these infections.

Methods: This was a cross-section study conducted among 118 pediatric patients admitted at Bugando Medical Centre. Data was collected using a structure questionnaire; however for a patient who showed signs of blood stream infections 48 hours after admission, a blood sample was drawn and taken to the microbiology for culture and sensitivity. IBM SPSS version 25 was used to analyse data.

Results: Total of 118 patients were recruited of 14 were diagnosed as HAI. The cumulative incidence of HAI was 11.9%. In the multivariable analysis; length; of stay >7 days, use of urine catheter, central venous catheter (CVC), non-standardized antibiotics, and aged < 1 year were independently associated with increased risk of HAI with adjusted OR (95%CI): 5.6 (4.3-7.3), 1.9 (1.3-2.6), 1.8 (1.1-2.9), 1.6 (1.2-2.0), and 1.4 (1.1-1.8), respectively. Klebsiella Pneumoniae was the organism that caused most of the HAIs.

Conclusions: In summary, HAI were common in our setup with blood stream infections as the commonest infections. Thus, the infection control priorities in our hospital should focus in controlling and preventing them.