Prevalence and associated factors of postoperative nausea and vomiting among adult patients undergoing elective surgery

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a surgical complication defined as any nausea, and vomiting with in the first 24-48 h after surgery in inpatients. Nausea is the unpleasant desire and urge to vomit, while vomiting is a forcing of gastric contents through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting is the most common complication associated anaesthesia and surgery in the postoperative period. It is considered one of the most common causes of morbidity, and it has significant effects on patient satisfaction.

The study aimed to assess the incidence and associated factors of postoperative nausea and vomiting.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 February to 30 April 2022. All adult, elective patients who underwent elective surgery under anaesthesia during the study period were included. A total of 677 patients underwent elective surgery at the time of the study, of which 634 patients were included in the study. Data collection method included chart review and patient interview.

The overall prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting among post-surgical patients was 35.4%. Factors that had statistically significant relationship with PONV were history of motion sickness [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.04, 95% CI 1.486-10.988], smoking history (AOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.128-1.042) and intraoperative opioid use (AOR 3.59, 95% CI 1.345-9.618).

The prevalence of this study is higher than studies conducted in the recent years. This result showed that the appropriate practice of PONV prophylactic regimens and anaesthesia management are required to decrease the risk of PONV.