Thirst discomfort and its influencing factors after spinal surgery: an observational study

Abstract

Abstract Objective To investigate the factors contributing to thirst discomfort in spinal surgery patients. Methods This study included patients who underwent spinal surgery in the ****** from February 2022 to July 2022. Data were obtained from questionnaires and electronic medical records. Spearman correlation analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and the Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum tests. The contributing factors to thirst discomfort were analyzed by stepwise regression. Results A total of 303 spinal surgery patients were included in the analysis. The thirst discomfort score 2 h after surgery was 10 (7–12). Preoperative factors contributing to thirst at this time point included Kolcaba’s General Comfort Questionnaire score (B=-0.36, p = 0.003), use of statins (B = 1.78, p = 0.004), and the type of admission (B=-0.94, p = 0.024). Intraoperative factors were the length of surgery (B = 0.38, p = 0.0032), use of α2 adrenergic agonists (B = 0.63, p = 0.016), and endotracheal intubation (B=-2.79, p = 0.030). Postoperative factors were the level of thirst at 2 h (B = 1.72, p < 0.001) and indoor relative humidity level at 2 h (B=-0.24, p = 0.043).