Abstract

Objective: We aimed to determine the frequency, types of infections, and influencing risk factors in home healthcare services patients.

Methods: This prospective, analytical study was conducted with patients receiving home health services. Over a four-month follow-up period starting from May 1, 2023, an average of 500 patients applied for home health services monthly. Among those, 307 patients showing signs of infection were included in the study. A 12-item questionnaire, prepared by the researcher after reviewing the literature, was applied to patients and their relatives through face-to-face interviews. Data were analyzed by frequency (n), percentage (%), mean, and standard deviation values.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 77.71 ± 14.84 years (min-max=19-102), and 64.5% were female. Among the research group, 97.4% had chronic diseases. The most commonly observed infection among the participants was respiratory system infection, followed by urinary system infection. Most participants (86.6%) received outpatient treatment, while 5.2% were hospitalized due to infection. There was a significant relationship between the types of infection and age, gender, presence of pressure sores, and use of medical devices. Urinary system infections were more common in patients with urinary catheters.

Conclusion: We conclude that the patients receiving home healthcare services have a high risk of infection, and the risk factors include advanced age, chronic diseases, immobility, and urinary catheter use. It is imperative that more measures be taken to reduce infection risks in this vulnerable population.