PREVALENCE AND fACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS ADMITTED TO HIWOT FANA SPECIALIZED UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, HARAR, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Postoperative complication may be defined as negative outcome as perceived either by the surgeon or by the patients. It confers an increased risk of reoperation, prolonged length of stay, decline in disposition and increased mortality, and are a target for quality improvement programs. Ethiopia is one of the countries where postoperative complication is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. A clear understanding of the prevalence and factors affecting postoperative complications is essential for establishment of preventive strategies as well as treatment protocols. This is study is aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with postoperative complications. Method: Health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 204 patients hospitalized for surgical cases from October 1/2020 to January 31/2020. Data was extracted with paper based medical charts, operational and anesthesia note, by direct observation and patients‟ interview. All patients were followed daily before, during and after operation until discharge. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) for window version 20.0 software. Factors associated with postoperative complications were identified using multivariable logistic regression model. P-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Result:A total of 204 patients were included in the study. Forty seven patients (23%) developed postoperative complications. Elevated white blood cell count, AOR=3.5(95%CI [1.36, 9.12, P=0.009]), prophylactic antibiotics administration after surgical incision AOR=5.46(95%CI [2.30, 12.96, P=0.000]), and surgeries done by junior residentsAOR = 11.15(95% CI [2.70, 46.13, P=0.001]) were independent predictors for postoperative complications. Conclusion: Elevated white blood cell count (> 11,000/mm3), prophylactic antibiotics administration after surgical incision, and surgeries done by junior residentsare independent predictors of postoperative complications. Therefore, timely administration of antibiotics and supervision of junior residents is recommended.