Treatment Outcomes of Non-Traumatic Acute Abdomen and Its Associated Factors in Adult Patients at Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective

To assess the treatment outcomes of non-traumatic acute abdomen and its associated factors among adult patients in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was done, and a random sampling technique was used. A total of 303 records were examined, and a pre-tested data extraction checklist was used to collect the data, which was entered into the Kobo toolbox. The data was then exported and analysed using SPSS version 26, a binary logistic regression model was used, and finally, an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant factors associated with the treatment outcomes of non-traumatic acute abdomen.

Results

The magnitude of unfavorable treatment outcomes for non-traumatic acute abdomen was found to be 11.9% with 95% CI: (8.6–15.5). Those patients with guarding (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI = 1.05, 8.47), having postoperative complications (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI = (1.07, 3.53)), and having temperature ≥37.5 (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI = (1.78, 19.5)) were significantly associated with the treatment outcome of non-traumatic acute abdomen.

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed that the magnitude of unfavorable treatment outcomes for non-traumatic acute abdomen was found to be high. Presence of postoperative complications, having temperature ≥37.5°C, and having abdominal guarding were statistically significant factors associated with unfavourable treatment outcome of non-traumatic acute abdomen. Hence, all level medical workers should give more attention to infection prevention in the ward and in the operating room.

Keywords:

• acute abdomen
• non-traumatic
• outcome
• Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital

Abbreviation

AOR, Adjusted Odds Ratio; BDU, Bahir Dar University; COR, Crude Odds Ratio; CI, Confidence Interval; CMHS, College of Medicine and Health Sciences; GSBV, Gangrenous Small Bowel Volvulus; GSV, Gangrenous Sigmoid Volvulus; ETB, Ethiopian birr; IO, Intestinal Obstruction; IV, Intravascular; LBO, Large Bowel Obstruction; MRN, Medical Record Number; NG, Nasogastric; PPUD, Perforated peptic ulcer disease; SBO, Small Bowel Obstruction; SD, Standard Deviation; SPSS, Statistical Package for Social Science; SSI, Surgical Site Infection; SSV, Simple Sigmoid Volvulus; TGSH, Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital; WHO, World Health Organization.

Data Sharing Statement

All relevant data are within the manuscript and its Supporting Information files.

Ethical Consideration

Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Bahir Dar University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences with reference number 558/2022. The IRB of Bahir Dar University allowed us to collect the data from medical records without collecting personal identifiers including name and they waived the requirement for informed consent. The authors had no access to information that could identify individual participants after data collection. A formal letter was written by the medical director that allowed us to collect the data and conduct this study. The data was obtained using a structured questionnaire checklist filled from the medical record of the patient. The patient chart was kept secured or confidential and the personal identifiers such as name not be extracted. Data obtained in the course of study was only handled by the research team. Information was used as aggregated after analysis of whole data.

Acknowledgment

We would like to thank the staff of Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital for giving valuable information and permission. We want to give our special thanks to the data collectors, and supervisors. Finally, it is our pleasure to give our deepest thanks to our family for their contributions and patience throughout this study.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.