INCIDENCE OF POSTOPERATIVE SORE THROAT AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PEDIATRICS PATIENTS UNDERGOING SURGERY UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA AT HAWASSA UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL, 2022. A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

ABSTRACT Introduction: Postoperative sore throat is one of the common postoperative complications following general anesthesia. Postoperative sore throat causes decreased patient satisfaction, and it affects patients’ wellbeing after surgery, thus identifying its incidence and predictors help to distinguish the preventable causes of postoperative sore throat. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the incidence and associated factors of postoperative sore throat among pediatrics patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia at Hawassa university comprehensive specialized hospital. Methods: A prospective cohort study conducted among children with age range 6-16years old who underwent emergency and elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software packages. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to investigate the independent predictors. The postoperative sore throat was assessed by using a four point categorical pain scale at 2nd, 6th, 12th and 24th hour postoperative time. Result: A total of 102 children were recruited in this study, from which 27 children (26.5%) complained of sore throat postoperatively. This study found that endotracheal intubation (P value: 0.030; AOR: 3.155; 95% CI [1.114-8.933]) and number of attempt greater than one (P value: 0.027 and AOR: 4.890; 95% CI: [1.203-19.883]) had statistically significant association with postoperative sore throat. Conclusion: The overall incidence of postoperative sore throat was 26.5%. Endotracheal intubation and number of attempt greater than one were independent factors that significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative sore throat in this study.