ObjectiveTo evaluate the occurrence and risk factors for healthcareassociated infection(HAI) in premature infants. MethodsThe occurrence of HAI among premature infants who were born in a hospital from January 2011 to June 2015 and admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit within 24 of birth were investigated prospectively, the related risk factors and intervention measures were analyzed. Results644 premature infants were investigated, 32(4.97%) had HAI, the main  infection site was lower respiratory tract (n=18, 56.25%).  34 pathogenic isolates causing HAI were detected, 24 (70.59%) were gramnegative bacteria, the major was Klebsiella  pneumoniae (n=14); 10 isolates were grampositive bacteria(29.41%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that small for gestational age, low birth weight,  severe amniotic fluid pollution, mechanical ventilation, feeding intolerance,  indwelling gastric tube, irrational antimicrobial use, and long  length of hospital stay were risk factors for HAI in premature infants (all P< 0.05). ConclusionRisk factors for HAI in premature infants are multiple, targeted interventions, such as shorten the length of hospital stay, reduce unnecessary invasive operation, use antimicrobial rationally,  improve the feeding tolerance, are helpful for reducing the risk factors for HAI in premature infants.