J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2019 Nov;26(4):221-230. 10.7739/jkafn.2019.26.4.221.

Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Diarrhea in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units

• Lee H
• Song R

• KMID: 2468841
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2019.26.4.221

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to examine incidence of diarrhea and explore factors influencing occurrence of diarrhea in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU).
METHODS
For this retrospective research, data based on inclusion criteria were collected from the electronic medical records for 142 patients admitted to a university hospital ICU from September 2014 to August 2015. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS/WIN 22.0 program.
RESULTS
Incidence of diarrhea was 53.5% during the 12-month study period. Diarrhea occurred at 4.54 days and continued for 1.79 days on average. Average total frequency of diarrhea was 5.56 times. Increased ICU stay, enteral nutrition, and infection state were significant predictors of the occurrence of diarrhea. Infection increased risk of diarrhea 3.4 times and enteral nutrition increased risk of diarrhea to 2.2 times greater than patients not receivng enteral nutrition.
CONCLUSION
Diarrhea in ICU patients is associated with multiple factors that should be considered to implement preventive strategies. Infection control should be emphasized, and close monitoring of diarrhea should be provided for those with enteral nutrition. Further studies are warranted to determine standardized clinical definition of diarrhea and diarrhea risk factors in ICU patients with different levels of severity and comorbidity.

Keyword

Diarrhea; Intensive care units; Risk factors; Enteral nutrition

MeSH Terms

Comorbidity
Critical Care*
Diarrhea*
Electronic Health Records
Enteral Nutrition
Humans
Incidence
Infection Control
Intensive Care Units*
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors