BMJ Open. 2025 Nov 29;15(11):e105208. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-105208.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among individuals with cardiovascular disease, accounting for half of all global cardiovascular-related deaths. No prior research has examined ACS treatment outcomes and associated factors in the study area. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and treatment outcome of ACS patients admitted to public hospitals in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia.
METHODS: A retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 308 ACS patients. Patient records from admissions between 1 November 2018 and 31 October 2023 were reviewed, with data collected between 10 January and 10 February 2024 using a structured checklist adapted from previous research. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS V.25.0, with bivariable and multivariable logistic regression identifying significant associations at a p value <0.05.
RESULTS: The mean patient age was 56.4±16 years, with males comprising 77.3% of participants. Half (51.6%) resided in rural areas, and only 16.2% presented within 12 hours of symptom onset. Overall, 81 patients (26.3%) experienced a poor treatment outcome for ACS, including 39 (12.7%) in-hospital deaths, 24 (7.8%) referrals to higher-level facilities and 18 (5.8%) who left against medical advice. Factors significantly associated with poor outcome included hospital presentation more than 72 hours after symptom onset (AOR 2.734 (95% CI 1.006 to 7.435)), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <30% (AOR 5.32 (95% CI 1.09 to 26.06)) and the presence of ischaemic features on echocardiography (AOR 3.35 (95% CI 1.44 to 7.80)).
CONCLUSION: Poor treatment outcome was independently predicted by the presence of ischaemia features on the echocardiography, LVEF (<30%) and hospital presentation 72 hours after the onset of symptoms. To improve ACS treatment outcomes, it is crucial to promote early hospital presentation through community education, standardise diagnostic procedures, integrate rapid ECG and biomarker analysis, and enhance prehospital emergency medical services.
PMID:41320219 | DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2025-105208