RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In the intensive care unit (ICU), mechanical ventilation (MV) is a typical way of respiratory support. The severity of the illness raises the likelihood of death in patients who require MV. Several studies have been done in Ethiopia; however, the mortality rate differs among them. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide a pooled prevalence of mortality and associated factors among ICU-admitted patients receiving MV in Ethiopian hospitals. METHODS: We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 criteria to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis in this study. We searched PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, Embase, Hinari, and Web of Science and found 22 articles that met our inclusion criteria. We used a random-effects model. To identify heterogeneity within the included studies, meta-regression and subgroup analysis were used. We employed Egger's regression test and funnel plots for assessing publication bias. STATA version 17.0 software was used for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the pooled prevalence of mortality among 7507 ICU-admitted patients from 22 articles, who received MV was estimated to be 54.74% [95% CI = 47.93, 61.55]. In the subgroup analysis by region, the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples (SNNP) subgroup (64.28%, 95% CI = 51.19, 77.37) had the highest prevalence. Patients with COVID-19 have the highest mortality rate (75.80%, 95% CI = 51.10, 100.00). Sepsis (OR = 6.85, 95%CI = 3.24, 14.46), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score<8 (OR = 6.58, 95%CI = 1.96, 22.11), admission with medical cases (OR = 4.12, 95%CI = 2.00, 8.48), Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS) (OR = 2.70, 95%CI = 4.11, 12.62), and vasopressor treatment (OR = 19.06, 95%CI = 9.34, 38.88) were all statistically associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Our review found that the pooled prevalence of mortality among mechanically ventilated ICU-admitted patients in Ethiopia was considerably high compared to similar studies in the United States (US), China, and other countries. Sepsis, GCS<8, medical cases, MODS, and use of vasopressors were statistically associated with mortality. Clinicians should exercise caution while mechanically ventilating ICU-admitted patients with these factors. However, it should be noted that the exact cause and effect relationship could not be established with this meta-analysis, as the available evidence is not sufficient. Thus, more studies using prospective methods will be required.