Prevalence and risk factors of gunshot wound infection in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: A hospital-based cross-sectional study

Background

Survivors of gunshot injuries are at high risk of developing infections at the injury site. However, data on gunshot wound infections and their associated burdens are limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gunshot wound infections and identify the risk factors associated with them in a tertiary hospital located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Provincial General Reference Hospital of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reviewing data from patients hospitalised between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020.

Results

A total of 549 patients were included in the study, with wound infections occurring in 26.6% of cases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified fractures (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.81; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.12–2.92; P = .0146), nerve damage (aOR = 2.65; 95% CI 1.70–4.14; P < .0001), trunk injuries (aOR = 5.64; 95% CI 2.61–12.16; P < .0001), lower extremity injuries (aOR = 2.71; 95% CI 1.39–5.28; P = .0034), and multiple injuries (>2; aOR = 2.35; 95% CI 1.05–5.25; P = .0378) as independent predictors of gunshot wound infection.

Conclusion

The main factors predisposing gunshot wounds to infection, identified in this study, require thorough evaluation and urgent management. In cases of abdominal gunshot trauma, fractures, and vascular or nerve lesions, management procedures are aimed at reducing the infection burden.