Magnitude and associated factors of intra-operative hypothermia among pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery: A multi-center cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Hypothermia is a core body temperature of less than 36 c(0) that could increase perioperative morbidity & mortality of pediatric patients operated under general anesthesia. This study aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of intra-operative hypothermia among pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery. METHOD: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 339 pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery in referral hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statics were expressed in percentage and presented with tables. Both Bivariable and multivariable logistic analysis was done to identify factors associated with intra-operative hypothermia among pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery. P < 0.05 with 95% CI was set as statistical significance. RESULT: The magnitude of intra-operative hypothermia in this study was 39.8 [95% CI= (34.5–45.1)]. Multivariable logistic analyses showed that ambient temperature less than 26c(0) [AOR = 6; 95%CI=(2.859–13.23)], volume of fluid administered greater than half a liter [AOR = 3.6; 95%CI=(1.83–7.23)], Patients who were received un-warm fluid [AOR = 2.2; 95%CI=(1.28–4.04)] and duration of surgery and anesthesia greater than 120 min [AOR = 3.4; 95%CI=(1.29–8.79)] and [AOR = 3.8; 95%CI=(1.25–11.53)] respectively were factors significantly associated with intra-operative hypothermia. CONCLUSION: The magnitude of intra-operative hypothermia in this study was high. So, adherence must be done in the prevention of intraoperative hypothermia by health professionals such as increasing operation room temperature, warming administered fluid, optimal fluid administration, and reduction of the duration of surgery and anesthesia.