Determinant factors of prolonged hospitalization in acute heart failure patients at Jimma Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia

Millions of people worldwide suffer from heart failure, which is a serious public health concern that results in high medical costs from prolonged hospital stay. This study aimed to assess the determinant factors associated with prolonged hospitalization among admitted acute heart failure at Jimma Medical Center, south west Ethiopia. The study was conducted at Jimma Medical Center in Ethiopia from December 2023 to April 2024, employing a prospective observational design. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi-data V.4.6 and STATA V.17 and multiple linear regression was employed. T test and ANOVA were conducted and a p-value is deemed significant if it is less than 0.05, corresponding to a 95% confidence interval. A total of 294 individuals were enlisted, with a mean age of 56. Over half of the patients (53.4%) stayed eight days or more throughout their average 11.4-day hospital stay. The following were significant risk factors for extended hospital stays: living in a rural; being admitted to a cardiac unit having neck vein distension, having a third heart sound, having ankle edema; having hepatomegaly, and having pleural effusion were predictor's of length of hospital stay. Based on this finding, the length of hospital stay in heart failure patients is influenced by various factors. Addressing these factors can help reduce the duration of hospitalization. Implementing targeted interventions, such as improving physical activity, managing comorbidities, and enhancing discharge planning, may lead to better patient outcomes and decrease the prolongation of hospital stays for those with heart failure.