Point prevalence survey of antibiotic use and healthcare-associated infections in acute care hospitals: a comprehensive report from the Marche Region of Italy.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are serious health challenges. Point prevalence surveys (PPSs) are valuable tools for monitoring HAIs and AMR.

Aim: To describe results of the ECDC PPS 2022 dealing with the prevalence of HAIs, antimicrobial consumption, and associated factors, in acute care hospitals.

Methods: The survey was performed in November 2022 in 14 hospitals according to the protocol proposed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Multilevel logistic regression was performed using geographical area/hospital type as cluster variable to evaluate the factors independently associated with HAIs and antibiotics.

Findings: The point prevalence of HAIs was 7.43%. Patients hospitalized for longer periods were more likely to have an HAI as well as those aged 15-44 years, with a rapidly fatal disease, intubated, and with one or two devices. Antibiotics prevalence was 47.30%. Males, unknown McCabe scores, minimally invasive/non-National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surgery, patients with HAIs, hospitals with a higher alcohol hand-rub consumption, hospitals with a greater number of IPC personnel, geriatric wards, and hospitals with 300-600 beds were more likely to be under antimicrobial therapy.

Conclusion: This PPS provided valuable information on the prevalence of HAIs and antimicrobial consumption and variables associated. The high prevalence of HAIs highlights the need for improved infection control measures.