Prevalence and factors associated with postoperative nausea and vomiting among pediatric patients: a multi-center cross-sectional study

Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) are the most common complications that children encounter after surgery. However, the problem remains unexplored in Amhara National Regional State comprehensive hospitals. Objective: To assess the prevalence and associated factors of PONV among pediatric patients. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and patient chart review were used to collect data. Data were entered into EPI-Data version 4.6.0.6 and transferred into Stata version 14 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. Results: A total of 361 children were included in this study. The overall prevalence of PONV was 43.77% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.58, 49.06). The prevalence of postoperative vomiting (POV) and postoperative nausea (PON) was 39.89% (CI: 34.80, 45.14) and 48.52% (95% CI: 42.0, 55.08), respectively. History of motion sickness (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 10.45; 95% CI: 3.55, 31.24), not receiving antiemetic prophylaxis (AOR = 2.18; 95% CI: 1.09, 4.34), and regional nerve block (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.93) were associated with PON. Similarly, short duration of surgery (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.92), history of motion sickness (AOR = 4.65; 95% CI: 2.17, 10.0), and antiemetic prophylaxis (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.76) were associated with POV. Conclusions: The prevalence of PONV was high. It is recommended that preoperative risk stratification for PONV be conducted for pediatric patients who will undergo surgery. Additionally, antiemetic prophylaxis should be administered to high-risk patients, such as those with a history of motion sickness, those undergoing long-duration surgery, and those who will not be receiving a nerve block.