Factors Contributing To Phlebitis Among Patients Admitted In Medical-Surgical Units At Tertiary Care

Liaquat Medical Research Journal

Abstract

In the health care settings, there is a constant use of peripheral venous catheters for different purposes, however, its use is not risk-free. This study is meant to assess the risk factors and identify the prevalence of phlebitis amongst adult patients admitted in the Medical-Surgical units at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted. Data was collected from Medical-Surgical units at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad in three months. Questionnaire was used as a data collection tool consisting of 25 questions for the different categories. The sample based on 246 patients and nonprobability convenience sampling technique was used. A total number of 246 subjects, having 59.8% male and 40.2% females with the average age of 75.77 years, participated in study. It was found that phlebitis grade 2 & 3 are more common in the age between 18 to 70 years with average percentage of 41.1and 40.2 respectively. Statistically, Hepatitis C virus and pyrexia found significantly associated with development of phlebitis. The study concluded the rate of phlebitis was high and the highest percentage grade II & III were also observed. There was a relationship amongst the occurrence of phlebitis, the method of infusion, catheter flushing and Hepatitis C virus. Similar study may be conducted on large population.