Incidence and predictors of short peripheral intravenous catheter-related phlebitis among pediatric patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Short Peripheral Intravenous Cannulation (sPIVC) is the most common method used in pediatric populations for the delivery of intravenous (IV) fluids, blood, blood products, medication and nutrients. This study assessed the occurrence of phlebitis in children with sPIVC and the factors related to it.

Methods: A prospective cross sectional observational study was conducted on a sample of 343 children at St. Paul hospital over a period of six months. A stratified random sampling was employed to take study subjects from each of the pediatrics units. The data was collected using a standardized structured observation checklist.

Results: The rate of phlebitis following short peripheral intravenous catheter (sPIVC) insertion was found to be 30.9%. Palpating catheter insertion site after cleaning it [AOR = 31.3, 95% CI (12.9,79.9)], using disposable glove to secure IV line [AOR = 5.4, 95%CI (2.0,14.5)], reusing IV catheter and repeated swabbing in one insertion trial [AOR = 7.9, 95% CI (2.2,27.8)], securing IV on flexor/joint [AOR  = 3.8, 95%CI (1.3,10.9)] and number of health workers involved in securing IV line [AOR = 0.117, 95% CI(0.038,0.364)] were the factors significantly associated with phlebitis. Whereas using alcohol to prepare the skin before insertion had a 93% [AOR = 0.07,95% CI (0.03, 0.18)] decrease in their chances of developing phlebitis compared to those whose site was cleaned using hand sanitizer.

Conclusion: The incidence of phlebitis in this setting was high; from the associated factors identified we suggest that nurses and health care providers need to follow the standard protocol of peripheral IV catheter insertion and infection and prevention practices to reduce phlebitis.