Abstract:
Background; Anesthetic agents can impair protective airway reflexes, increasing the risk of
aspiration and complications like pneumonia. Pre-procedural fasting is crucial, particularly in
pediatric patients, to reduce aspiration risk, with specific fasting durations recommended by
guidelines, although adherence varies.
Objectives: To assess the adherence to pre-operative fasting guidelines and identify the
associated factors among elective pediatric surgical patients at Jimma University Comprehensive
Specialized Hospital. The study was conducted over a period of four months, from October,
2024 to January, 2025G.C
Methods
Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted on pediatric patients undergoing elective
surgery at JUCSH between October 2024 and January 2025.
Adherence Assessment: Adherence to preoperative fasting guidelines was evaluated by
comparing actual fasting durations to recommended guidelines for clear fluids, solid foods, and
breast milk.
Population and Sample: The study included 113 pediatric patients scheduled for elective
surgery and their primary caregivers, using a descriptive cross-sectional design.
Data Collection and Analysis: Data were entered using EpiData version 4.6 and analyzed with
SPSS version 27. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify
factors associated with adherence, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05
Results: Adherence to fasting guidelines was 25.7% (95% CI: 18.3%–33.1%). The mean age of
participants was 3.47 years, with 75.2% male. The main reason for non-adherence was incorrect
fasting instructions (64.3%). Factors associated with adherence included age (AOR = 0.690, 95%
CI: 0.523–0.909, P = 0.008), prior complications due to non-fasting (AOR = 5.39, 95% CI: 1.07
7.10, P = 0.041), and patient scheduling (AOR = 0.178, 95% CI: 0.032–0.981, P = 0.047).
Conclusion: Adherence to fasting guidelines was low. Factors such as age, previous
complications, and patient scheduling influenced adherence. Improved education and
communication are needed to enhance compliance.
Recommendations; Improve surgical scheduling to minimize delays and maintain a structured
sequence. Strengthen education programs for parents and guardians regarding fasting guidelines.
Future research should explore the long-term impact of adherence on surgical outcomes.
