Adherence to Pre-Operative Fasting Guidelines and Associated Factors Among Pediatric Surgical Patients in Selected Public Referral Hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Cross Sectional multicenter Study

Abstract Background Fasting of children before anesthesia is mandatory with the aim of to reduce the complications of due to regurgitation, vomiting, aspiration during anesthesia and surgery. Prolonged fasting times have several negative implications in children due to high fluid turnover quickly leads to dehydration, hypotension, metabolic disturbances and hypoglycemia which lead to poor anesthetic outcomes. Aims The aim of this study was to assess adherence to preoperative fasting guidelines and associated factors among pediatrics patients undergoing elective surgery in Addis Ababa selected Public Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2020. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Addis Ababa selected Public hospitals, Ethiopia, 2020. A total sample of 279 pediatric patients with age up to 17 years scheduled for elective surgery included in the data collection. The data analysis was done with SPSS V.21 and the value of the variables and its associated factors was checked its association with logistic regression. Significance was determined at P -value < 0.05. The result was presented by using text, tables, charts, and graphs. Results A total of 279 pediatric patients were responded in the analysis, with a 98.6% response rate. Majority of the participants 251(89.96%) were not followed the guidelines of preoperative fasting. The mean fasting time for clear liquids was 10 ± 4.03 (2–18 hrs.), for breast milk 7.18 ± 2.26 (3.5–12 hrs.), and for solid foods 13.5 ± 2.76 (8–19 hrs.). The reasons for which the preoperative fasting delayed was due to incorrect order 35.1%, prior cases procedures took longer times 34.1%, and changing sequence of schedule was 20.8%. Conclusion The majority of children were still having prolonged fasting practice. The staff’s instructions and sequences of schedules are challenged to follow the international fasting guidelines protocol.