The authors, including A. K. Kanymetova, A. D. Esenaliev, and A. K. Orozbekova, emphasize that HAIs remain one of the key issues in the healthcare system.
According to international studies, up to 15% of hospitalized patients may contract such infections, and in intensive care units, this figure reaches 30%. HAIs can lead to deterioration of health, increased length of hospitalization, rising financial costs, and the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
The study covered data from 707 patients receiving treatment in hospitals in the capital.
Among the most common infections associated with medical care are:
- clinical sepsis;
- ventilator-associated pneumonia.
“Although the level of registered infections (2.8%) corresponds to the average indicators of countries with similar resources, the extremely low frequency of microbiological diagnostics complicates accurate epidemiological assessment. In conditions where laboratory studies were conducted in only 0.8% of patients, the actual prevalence of HAIs may be significantly higher,” the study notes.
The study also identified factors that increase the risk of developing infections:
- vascular catheterization,
- presence of drains,
- conducting surgical operations,
- staying in the hospital for more than 7 days.
“These results align with global trends, where invasive procedures are considered the main factors for nosocomial infections,” the authors added.The structure of hospitalizations indicates a high burden on obstetric-gynecological, surgical, and pediatric departments, which are traditionally associated with an increased risk of HAIs. The risks are particularly critical in the field of neonatology and obstetrics, where infections can lead to serious consequences.
According to the study, 36.4% of patients underwent antibacterial therapy, which significantly exceeds the number of confirmed cases of infections. This, the authors believe, indicates widespread use of antibiotics without laboratory confirmation, creating conditions for the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
The authors propose the following measures:
- expansion of microbiological diagnostics;
- implementation of rational antibiotic use programs;
- strengthening infection control in medical institutions.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: istockphoto.com.
