Evaluating the Effectiveness of Prophylactic Pharmacological Agents in Preventing Surgical Site Infections amongst Saudi Adults: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant concern in medical surgery, impacting patient outcomes and healthcare costs. Despite advances in surgical techniques and infection control practices, SSIs remain prevalent in post-operative care. Prophylactic pharmacological agents, particularly antibiotics, have become critical in preventing these infections. This study, set in Saudi Arabia, aims to assess the utilisation patterns of these agents, evaluate their effectiveness in preventing SSIs amongst adults and identify adherence gaps to prophylactic guidelines. This research addresses the literature gap on regional variations in prophylactic practices and their outcomes. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, this study targeted adult patients undergoing surgery in Saudi hospitals. The study included adults aged 18 and above who underwent surgical procedures involving prophylactic pharmacology, excluding patients with pre-existing infections or on long-term antibiotic therapy. The data were collected using structured questionnaires and hospital records, focusing on patient demographics, surgical details and prophylactic agent usage. Data analysis involved SPSS software, using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared tests, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: The study’s key findings include a significant number of participants observing positive outcomes with the use of prophylactic agents. Most participants were satisfied with their surgical procedures and believed in the significant contribution of prophylactic agents to reducing SSI. The study also highlighted that patient characteristics and institutional policies influence the utilisation and efficacy of these agents. Conclusion: This study illuminates the use and effectiveness of prophylactic pharmacological agents in preventing SSIs amongst Saudi adults, revealing variations in their utilisation and impact. The findings underscore the need for tailored prophylactic strategies and adherence to guidelines. These insights open new avenues for research, particularly in personalised prophylactic protocols and educational interventions. The study enriches the understanding of SSI prevention and advocates for re-evaluation and expansion of current practices and guidelines in this area.