The Extra length of stay, costs, and mortality associated with healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) at a referral hospital: a prospective nested case control study

Abstract

AbstractBackground:healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are one of the real risks in any health system and have a considerable effect on increased morbidity, mortality, and financial burden. The present study aims to investigate the mortality rate, length of stay, and hospitalization cost in patients with and without HCAI.Methods:A prospective cohort study was conducted on 396 Patients with and without HCAI. They were matched with the patients in the same ward and at the same time. This study was done in an educational hospital in Ahvaz with 800 beds for five months. Descriptive analyses were done based on total direct costs, LOS, and mortality rates in patients with and without HCAI. The magnitude of the relationship between risk factors and HCAI was quantified using the odds ratio (OR). Logistic regression was used to calculate the OR.Results:The most common HCAI and microorganisms were UTIs and E. coli. Infected patients had longer hospitalization times (mean 19.58 vs. 7.62, P < 0.05). The mortality rate in cases increased significantly compared with the uninfected group (22% vs. 4.7% P < 0.05). When compared with those who did not develop an infection (control group), infection was associated with significantly higher treatment cost (7399.13±9631.98) (2765.19±2999.33), (P< 0.001).Conclusions:An infection acquired during a hospital stay was associated with higher hospitalization costs, prolonged hospitalization, and a significant increase in the rate of mortality.