In order to evaluate the risk factors and prevalence of nosocomial
infections in a rehabilitation hospital, two prevalence studies
were carried out on all patients admitted at least 48 hours
earlier. For each subject, a form regarding demographics,
health-related features, clinical history and invasive procedures
was completed. Overall, 187 patients were studied, the prevalence
of nosocomial infections was 8.0% and the infection was
in the urinary tract in 93.3% of these cases. Several variables
were found to contribute to nosocomial infections in the rehabilitation
facility (female gender, urinary catheter and diabetes)
and the prevalence study represented a valid starting point for
better infection prevention and control
