Research Article
Prevalence of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding and Associated Factors Among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease Admitted to the Medical Emergency Department of Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Sidama, Ethiopia
Makuir Mayom,
Desalegn Dawit Assesle*
,
Seyife Kibru,
Teshome Abuka,
Shamil Nuri
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
42-50
Received:
26 June 2025
Accepted:
21 August 2025
Published:
8 September 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijcems.20251104.11
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Abstract: Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common medical emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. At present, there is limited epidemiological data on gastrointestinal bleeding due to chronic liver disease and associated factors in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and associated factors among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) admitted to the medical emergency department at HUCSH, Hawassa, Sidama Region, Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was employed on a total of 166 patients’ record charts reviewed at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from December 1st to 15th, 2023. The data were collected using a pre-tested and structured checklist through chart review by three pre-trained BSc nurses. The data were entered into Kobo Toolbox data collection software, then exported, cleaned, and analyzed using SPSS version 26. A descriptive summary of the data and logistic regression were used to identify possible predictors using odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval and a P-value of 0.05. Result: The prevalence of Upper gastrointestinal bleeding was found to be 32.5% (95% CI: 25.3–39.7). The mean (SD) age of patients was 39.8 ±14.51. HBsAg positive [AOR: 2.3; 95%CI (1.06–5.15)], male gender [AOR: 4; 95% CI: 1.60–10.1], heavy alcoholic [AOR: 3.2; (1.05–10.0)], urban residence [AOR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.23–6.31] and platelet count below 150 thousand [AOR: 2.40; 95%CI (1.06–5.24)] were independent risk factors upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Conclusion: The study found that the magnitude of UGIB was high among patients with CLD. Hepatitis B-positives, heavy alcohol drinkers, male gender, urban residents, and low platelet counts are associated with a higher occurrence of bleeding. Therefore, care providers should encourage HBV screening and vaccination, and provide emergency endoscopic therapy and medications to halt the progression of bleeding.
Abstract: Background: Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a common medical emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. At present, there is limited epidemiological data on gastrointestinal bleeding due to chronic liver disease and associated factors in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and asso...
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