Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the second most common cause of nosocomial infection in the intensive care units. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors for early-onset VAP in Kashan Shahid-Beheshti hospital during 2009-2010.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 100 mechanically ventilated patients hospitalized for more than 48 hours in three intensive care units of Kashan Shahid-Beheshti hospital. After a 96-hour follow up period, VAP was diagnosed using the "Modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score".

Results: Invasive ventilation was prescribed for all patients. Main reasons for indication of mechanical ventilation were the respiratory disorders and decreased level of consciousness. The VAP incidence rate was 19% (4 women and 15 men). There were 3 groups of risk factors (patient-related, procedure-related and personnel-related). Among the patient-related risk factors, there was a significant difference between the age (P=0.036), GCS (P=0.001) and the onset of VAP in the procedure-related group, there was a significant difference between the therapist who inserts a catheter (P=0.01) and the positioning of the patient's head in≥30 (P=0.02) and also the onset of VAP in the personnel-related group, there was a significant difference between the oral care (P=0.02) and personnel education on infection control (P=0.002) and VAP.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, providing training for staff and comprehensive oral care are recommended in the mechanically ventilated patients.