Frequency of contributing factors in intramuscular injection abscess

Aim: to determine the frequency of contributing factors in intramuscular injection abscess in adults.study design: descriptive cross-sectional survey.settings: surgical floor of mayo hospital,lahore.duration: one year from 01/01/2013 to 31/12/2013.methods: the study included 210 patients with abscess formation after intramuscular injection. the patients were observed for the presence of factors like personnel administering injection (skilled or quack,a personnel called a quack when he or she pretend they have medical skills but actually they do not possess them),use of syringes (sterilized or unsterilized),sterilization of site (proper or improper),diabetes mellitus bsr>180mg/dl and obesity (bmi >30kg/m2).results: the mean age of patients was 37.02 ± 13.651 years with age range of 17 to 60 years. there were 131(62.4%) males and 79(37.6%) female patients. intramuscular injection was injected by quack in 183(87.1%) patients,by skilled personnel in 27(12.9%). unsterilized syringe was used in 23 (11%) patients while improper sterilization of site was reported in 185(88.1%) patients. 137(65.2%) had diabetes mellitus. there were 76(36.2%) patients who were obese while 134(63.8%) were presented with normal bmi.conclusion: improper sterilization of site was the most common contributing factor followed by quack administering injection,diabetes mellitus,obesity and use of unsterilized syringes. all the patients were treated with incision and drainage followed by antibiotics. © 2014 pakistan journal of medical and health sciences. all rights reserved.