Magnitude and associated factors of delirium among patients attending emergency department at Jimma medical center, Jimma, southwest Ethiopia, 2022

Abstract Background: Delirium is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome commonly encountered across all healthcare settings. It is associated with adverse outcomes including more prolonged hospitalization, institutionalization and increased mortality. In contrast to its frequent occurrence and negative consequences, delirium is missed by emergency physicians (EPs) in 57% to 83% of cases. Furthermore despite to its clinical importance, there is little documentation regarding delirium prevalence and physician detection rates within the emergency setting. Objectives: This study aimed to assess magnitude and associated factors of delirium among patients attending emergency department at Jimma medical center, Jimma, southwest Ethiopia, 2022. Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1st up to September 30, 2022. 422 study participants were enrolled who were selected by systematic random sampling. The presence or absence of delirium was assessed by using Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) was employed to assess distinct subtypes of delirium and level of arousal. The data was entered using Epi Data V3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Scientists Version 20(SPSS V20). To find associated factors, bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used. Variables having a p-value of less than 0.05 were deemed statistically significant. Result: The prevalence of delirium was found to be 26.6%(n=107), current use of alcohol (AOR=3.6, 95 percent CI (2.5-8.1), visual impairment (AOR=2.34, 95 percent CI (1.89-3.68), frequent admission (AOR=3.47(1.24-7.34), bladder catheterization (AOR=1.4, 95 percent CI (1.21-2.89), 15.993), and benzodiazepine exposure (AOR=1.5, 95 percent CI (1.01-2.3) had significant association with delirium. Conclusion: This study shows the prevalence of delirium was high among patients in emergency ward. Current use of alcohol, visual impairment, frequent admission, bladder catheterization, and benzodiazepine exposure had significant association with delirium. Early recognition is important to correct identifiable cause and improve health outcome of patients.