Prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of ventilator-associated pneumonia among adults on mechanical ventilation in ICUs of specialized hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among mechanically ventilated patients. However, limited data exist from African countries, including Ethiopia. This study assessed the prevalence, associated factors, and outcomes of VAP among adult patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) of comprehensive specialized hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia. An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted, and charts of 331 randomly selected patients were reviewed. Data were collected using a structured data extraction tool, entered into EpiData version 4.6.0, and analyzed with STATA version 14. Binary logistic regression was employed, and variables with p < 0.05 at 95 % confidence interval were considered statistically significant. The prevalence of VAP among mechanically ventilated patients was 19.6 % (95 % CI: 15.7, 23.9). Among these patients, 76.9 % died in the ICU, 15.4 % were transferred to wards, 3.2 % were referred, 3.2 % left against medical advice, and only 1.5 % were discharged home. Significant predictors of VAP included sepsis (AOR = 2.87), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score < 8 (AOR = 3.23), mechanical ventilation > 7 days (AOR = 4.14), and previous history of mechanical ventilation (AOR = 4.60). The prevalence of VAP among ICU patients was high, with mortality exceeding three-fourths. Preventive measures should be prioritized, particularly for patients with sepsis, prolonged ventilation, low GCS, or previous mechanical ventilation. Strengthening infection control protocols and early weaning strategies is recommended.