Research Article

High Gastrointestinal Colonization Rate of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci among Hospitalized Patients: Potential Source for Resistant Gene

Table 2

Clinical characteristics of the study participants at HUCSH, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia (N = 223).

VariablesCategoryFrequency (%)

Consistency of stoolFormed191 (85.7)
Semiformed26 (11.7)
Diarrheic6 (2.7)

Hand washing habit≥3 times per day150 (67.3)
3 times per day51 (22.9)
No habit of washing22 (9.9)

Admission wardMedical ward81 (36.3)
Surgical ward115 (51.6)
Pediatric ward15 (6.7)
Adult intensive care units12 (5.4)

Length of hospital stay<2 weeks191 (85.6)
≥2 weeks32 (14.4)

Admitted to ICUYes32 (10.8)
No191 (85.6)

Underwent invasive procedureYes171 (76.7)
No52 (23.3)

Reason for admissionCancer20 (9.0)
Congestive heart failure26 (11.7)
Tuberculosis19 (8.5)
Blood clots28 (12.6)
Sever acute malnutrition10 (4.5)
Chronic disease53 (23.8)
Abdominal or cardiothoracic surgery48 (21.5)
Others19 (8.5)

Use of medical deviceElectronic thermometers89 (39.9)
Ear ox meters5 (2.2)
Stethoscopes75 (33.6)
Electronic thermometers and stethoscope7 (3.1)
Others47 (21.1)

Patient relocated from one unit to otherYes101 (45.3)
No122 (54.70)

Treatment outside of the current hospitalYes96 (43)
No127 (57)

Had a history of vancomycin treatmentYes74 (33.2)
No149 (66.8)
No194 (87.0)

ICU: intensive care unit.