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

<i>Background:</i> 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. <i>Objective:</i> 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. <i>Methods:</i> 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 1<sup>st</sup> to 15<sup>th</sup>, 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. <i>Result:</i> 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. <i>Conclusion:</i> 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.