Abstract:
Pre-Operative Fasting (POF) is mandatory before anesthesia to reduce the risk of
aspiration. However, the ordered 6-8 hours of fasting time for solids and 2hrs for clear liquids may
be prolonged for various reasons. Prolonged preoperative fasting may result in detrimental effects
such as hypovolemia, dehydration, headache, mouth dryness, hunger, and thirst. These effects
impact patient wellbeing and satisfaction with healthcare. Information is scarce about fasting
guidelines and their implementation in our country.
Objective: To assess preoperative fasting time and associated factors in adults under elective
surgical procedure from December 12,2024 to January 24, 2025) at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive
Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia Institution-based, cross-sectional study design was employed. A consecutive sampling
technique was used to select study participants. Single population mean formula was used to get a
total sample size of 271. Structured questionnaire adapted after review of different literature was
used. EpiData was used for data entry and statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 was
used for data analysis. Linear regressions were done to identify factors associated with
preoperative fasting time. Beta coefficient was reported and P-value less than 0.05 or CI not
containing zero was taken as significant association. The mean preoperative fasting times was 12.39 ± 3.16 hours for solids and 10.46 ± 3.32
hours for fluids. Age (β = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.73), the presence of an anesthesiology residents
and surgical residents/surgeon as a source instruction (β=-1.17, 95% CI, -2.03, -0.33), (β=-1.18,
95% CI, -1.88, -0.48)respectively, having a college educational level (β=-0.78, 95% CI, -1.55, -
0.07), being scheduled for the third operation of the day(β=3.82,95% CI, 0.42, 7.22), headache
(β=0.75, 95% CI, 0.08, 1.42) were significantly associated with preoperative fasting time.
Conclusion: Preoperative fasting times significantly exceed recommended guidelines, adversely
affecting patients’ outcome. Factors such as age, education level, anesthesiology residents’
involvement and sequence of surgical schedule affect preoperative fasting. This study suggests
revising our clinical practice to improve patient care, outcome and satisfaction.
