Abstract
INTRODUCTION: this study aims to determine the incidence of nosocomial infections and the associated risk factors in new mothers and newborns at the maternity wards in the city of Mbujimayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. METHODS: we conducted a longitudinal descriptive study of the incidence and risk factors for nosocomial infections in patients without them at baseline in 231 maternity units. Data were collected on a weekly basis over a period of 6 months. Simplified WHO criteria were used for data collection. They are useful for hospitals that do not have advanced diagnostic techniques. RESULTS: the overall incidence of nosocomial infections in new mothers was 24.8% and 22.3% in newborns. The significant risk factors for nosocomial infections in new mothers and newborns were instrumental maneuvers (p=0.005; OR=2.7; 95% CI [1.3-5.4]), emergency cesarean section (p=0.000; OR=2.3; 95% CI [1.7-3.9]), the use of the same eye-drop bottle in all babies (p=0.004; OR=2.7); 95% CI [1.4-5.5]) and preterm baby care outside an incubator (p=0.000; OR=2.61; 95% CI [1.73-3.92]). CONCLUSION: repeated incidence (or lack of prevalence) surveys are essential to assess the effects of information, awareness and training programs implemented to control hospital acquired infections.