Prevention strategies and nursing care of nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care units at healthcare settings in Baghdad | ||
| Microbes and Infectious Diseases | ||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 25 October 2025 | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/mid.2025.431598.3319 | ||
| Authors | ||
| Oday Faris Washeel* ; Sarah Talib Kadhim | ||
| Department of Maternal and Neonatal Health, College of Nursing, Thi-Qar University, Thi-Qar, Iraq | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Background: Nosocomial infections (NIs) are a major healthcare concern in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), especially in developing countries, due to multidrug resistance and the vulnerability of neonates requiring invasive procedures. Aim: The study aimed to identify the main risk factors, predominant pathogens, and prevention strategies related to nosocomial infections in NICUs across Baghdad’s principal hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in four tertiary hospitals: Central Child Teaching Hospital (39 swabs), Al-Alawiya Children’s Hospital (45 swabs), Al-Kadhimiya Children’s Hospital (58 swabs), and Ibn Al-Baladi Maternity and Gynaecology Hospital (47 swabs). A total of 189 swab samples were analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was applied to determine predictors associated with nosocomial infections. Results: The findings revealed high prevalence rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae (27.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (21.2%), Acinetobacter baumannii (17.7%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.5%). Statistically significant predictors included the use of ventilators (OR = 5.05, p = 0.001), antibiotic misuse (OR = 3.82, p = 0.003), and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics (OR = 4.40, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Nosocomial infections represent a serious challenge in NICUs in Baghdad and prolonged invasive care. Infection prevention strategies, including strict hand hygiene, antimicrobial stewardship, and staff capacity building, are urgently needed to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Nosocomial infections, Neonatal intensive care units, Epidemiology; Prevention strategies, Nursing care | ||
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