Background: The orthognathic surgery is one of the most prevalent oral and maxillofacial surgeries, in which the result of operation is very important. The patient participation makes the process more effective. One of the effective items is the reduction of postoperative infection. The goal of this study was to determine patient participation in controlling postoperative infection in orthognathic surgery in bouAli Hospital.
Materials and methods: In this descriptive- cross sectional study, we studied 70 orthognatic patients whom were referred to BouAli hospital from March 2012 to August 2013. Data were gathered using a checklist consisting 32 questions, interviewing, studying medical records at 4 dimension of giving information, consulting, decision-making and then engaging the patient in doing self-care. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19.
Results: 38.6% of patients were men, 12.9% were married, and 55.7% were graduated. 2.9% of patients had no participation in the treatment. 31.4% had a little participation. 65.7% of patients participated completely. 32.9% of patients were infected. Using Man- Withney U non- parametric test, we observed a significant association between the patient participation and postoperative infection.
Conclusion: Regarding the direct association between patient participation and postoperative infection in orthognathic surgery, we suggest that the patient participation should be increased by treating team on the side of engaging the patient in self-care.