Abstract:
Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases are disorders involving chronic inflammation of
tissues in the digestive tract. Because of its multifactorial origin, it has a significant influence on
the quality of life. There have been limited publications on inflammatory bowel disease in
Ethiopia, particularly in Sidama Region.
Objectives: To identify the determinants of IBD among adult patients attended gastroenterology
departments at Yanet and Alatyon hospitals in Hawassa city, Sidama Region, 2022.
Methods and Materials: Institutional based unmatched case control study was conducted at
Yanet and Alatyon hospitals in Hawassa city, Sidama Region, 2022. The data was collected
using interviewer administered structured questionnaire and the collected data was entered into
epi data version 4.6 and exported into SPSS version 25 for analysis. Bivariate and Multivariable
binary logistic regression analyses were carried out to test the association between variables.
Results: A total of 261 adult patients (87 cases and 174 controls) were recruited for the study.
According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, five variables were independent
determinants of IBD. Illiterate individuals were risk factor for IBD [AOR=2.350; 95% CI: 2.059
2.939; P< 0.041]. Participants with low BMI were more likely associated with IBD
[AOR=3.360; 95% CI: 3.182-3.620; P<0.001] compared to normal body weight. Current
smokers were independent risk factor for IBD compared to non-smokers [AOR=2.486; 95% CI:
1.231-4.114; P<0.006]. Respondents having history of Fistulotomy were significantly associated
with IBD [AOR=1.640; 95% CI: 1.037-2.732; P<0.018] and patients who had bloody diarrhea
show an association with IBD [AOR= 2.540; 95% CI: 1.107-3.060; P<0.002] compared to non
bloody diarrhea.
Conclusion: The current study demonstrated that patients who had low BMI, bloody diarrhea,
current smoker, illiterate, and Fistulotomy were significantly independent risk factors of IBD.
