Prevalence and associated factors of discomfort in surgical intensive care unit in Mahajanga (Madagascar)

Introduction: Hospitalization in intensive care units is a demanding experience, exposing patients to multiple sources of discomfort related to care, invasive devices, and the hospital environment. In a local context where data remain limited, this study aimed to assess the frequency of discomfort experienced in a surgical intensive care unit at Hospital University of Professor Zafisaona Gabriel in Mahajanga, to identify its main sources, and to analyze associated factors.
Methods: This was a prospective descriptive and analytical study conducted over 22 months, including 173 conscious patients hospitalized for at least 24 hours. Data were collected through direct interviews and analyzed using Pearson’s Chi-square test, with a significance threshold set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of discomfort was 57.8%. The main sources were dominated by thirst and pain. In addition to these classical factors, specific environmental elements were identified, particularly the presence of mosquitoes. Repercussions were frequent, mainly insomnia, fatigue, and stress. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between discomfort and young age (p = 0.001), female sex (p = 0.003), low educational level (p < 0.001), and short length of hospital stay (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: These findings highlight that discomfort is frequent, multifactorial, and influenced by both individual and contextual factors. They emphasize the need to improve not only medical care but also environmental and organizational conditions in intensive care units, particularly in resource-limited settings.