OBJECTIVE To analyze the incidence rate and risk factors of hospital-associated infection in preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), providing a reference for clinical healthcare workers to develop scientific prevention and control strategies.

METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 7 244 preterm infants admitted to the NICU of the Children′s Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University from Jan. 2016 to Dec. 2024. The distribution patterns of hospital-associated infection and pathogenic bacteria in preterm infants were investigated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk factors for hospital-associated infection in preterm infants.

RESULTS Among the 7 244 preterm infants, 139 cases of hospital-associated infection occurred, with a hospital-associated incidence rate of 1.92%. Univariate chi-square tests indicated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05), birth weight, length of hospital stay, surgical intervention, ventilator use and central venous catheterization. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a hospital stay >30 days, surgical intervention and ventilator use were risk factors for hospital-associated infection in preterm infants (P < 0.05). The primary infection site of hospital-associated infection in preterm infants was the blood system. The average hospital stay for preterm infants with hospital-associated infection was (54.06±24.51) days, which was 33.36 days longer than that of non-hospital-associated infection infants. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the predominant pathogen detected in preterm infants with hospital-associated infection (59.74%).

CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should minimize the length of hospital stay for preterm infants, avoid unnecessary invasive procedures, strengthen hospital-associated infection prevention and control measures for preterm infants with low birth weight, and use drug rationally to reduce the occurrence of hospital-associated infection.