Incidence of hospital-acquired infections and associated factors among patients in North Shoa Zone public hospitals, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2025

Background: Hospital-acquired infections are a global health crisis resulting in high morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs in all parts of the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan regions such as Ethiopia. However, data have not been well addressed. Objective: The study assessed the incidence of hospital-acquired infection and associated factors among patients in public hospitals in the North Shoa Zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, in 2025. Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted in North Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, from September 10, 2022, to September 10, 2024. A multistage sampling design selected 577 participants through systematic random sampling. Binary logistic regression determined associated with hospital-acquired infections. Result : It reviewed 570 patient records, representing 6,840 patient-days with a 98.8% response, and reported an incidence of HAI of 16.7 per 1,000 patient-days, with a three-year cumulative incidence of 20% (95% CI: 17.3–22.9%). Previous antibiotic (ARR: 2.88, 95% CI: (1.32-6.27), invasive medical devices (ARR =2.63, 95% CI: 1.43- 4.82), Underlying disease (ARR: 6.27, 95% CI: 3.72-10.57), and hospital stay (ARR: 4.71; 3.72-10.57) were significant factors. Conclusion : The incidence of acquired infections in the hospital setting was high.