Prevalence and factors associated with thirst among postsurgical patients at University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital. Institution-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction Thirst is a powerfully distressing sensation that occurs most frequently in the immediate postoperative period. Postoperative thirst is prevalent, the moderate-to-severe type is estimated to affect 53.2–69.8% of patients and causes significant patient discomfort. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, and factors associated with postoperative thirst among surgical patients in PACU at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from April 20 to June 27, 2021. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 424 participants were included in the study. Statistical analysis had performed using SPSS 26.00 version statistical software. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the association between the prevalence of postoperative thirst and independent variables and only variables with p-value < 0.2 were entered into the multivariable analysis. The strength of the association was presented by odds ratio and 95% Confidence interval. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The prevalence of postoperative thirst among postsurgical patients was 59% (95% CI = 54.74–64.13). Inadequate preloading (Adjusted odes ratio (AOR) = 2.137 95% CI 1.260–3.624), prolonged Nil Per Os (NPO) time (AOR = 13.80 95% CI 2.93–65.37), general anesthesia (AOR = 3.90 95% CI 3.56–11.25), and axillary body temperature ≥ 37.5 °C (AOR = 8.07 95% CI 3.63–17.96) were significantly associated with postoperative thirst. Low room temperature (< 20 °C) was protective for the occurrence of postoperative thirst (AOR = 0.162 95% CI 0.37–0.707). Conclusion and recommendations The prevalence of postoperative thirst remains high and need commitment in close monitoring of PACU patients and immediate intervention. We also urge that high-level, ongoing research be conducted in this area, as postoperative thirst is a very common problem with a lot to discover.

Incidence and Associated Factors of Postoperative Undesirable Anesthetic Outcomes Among Surgical Patients at Referral Hospitals in Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Study

“…In this study, the proportion of undesirable postoperative thirst was 73.5%. It is higher compared to previous study done in University of Gondar comprehensive and specialized hospital (59.4%), 16 Eritrea (27.7%), 1 China (58.7%) 17 and Taiwan University Hospital (55.8%). 18 This disparity could be attributable to an underestimation of the condition, since the quality of postoperative care varies by nation.…”

“…This result is in line with studies conducted in Ethiopia, Taiwan, and Brazil. 16 , 19 , 20 This association could be due to the fact that we used different drugs and airway equipment during general anesthesia. The effects of the different anesthetic agents, endotracheal intubation, and a prolonged NPO time may increase the risk of postoperative thirst.…”

“…This result is in line with studies conducted in Ethiopia, Taiwan, and Brazil. 16,19,20 This association https://doi.org/10.2147/PROM.S403697…”

[Retracted] The Practical Effect of Action Intervention Strategy Combined Based on Surgical and Psychological Factors

“…From surgery-related metrics, endotracheal intubation time, systolic pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and blood sugar levels were the causes of postoperative patients with thirst degree, aggravating the related risk factors, including the longer intubation in patients with a high degree of postoperative thirst [ 11 ]. Blood pressure level, as another risk factor affecting postoperative thirst, would compress the osmolar receptors of the internal carotid artery, resulting in increased osmolar pressure and increased thirst [ 12 ]. The higher the intraoperative blood glucose concentration, the heavier the postoperative thirst.…”

Effects of cold spray on thirst, frequency of oral care, and pain of general surgery intensive care unit patients

“…Evidence shows that patients experience moderate thirst postoperatively, and thirst is the second most common symptom 1 – 3 . In studies, the prevalence of thirst in the postoperative period varies between 55.8% and 89.6% 1 , 4 , 5 . Typically, an individual experiences thirst when they sense dryness in their oral cavity, throat, and lips, a thickened tongue, an unpleasant and bitter taste in the mouth, and a strong desire to consume water 2 , 6 .…”