phlebitis uncovered: an integrative review of contributing factors

Background: phlebitis is a common complication of intravenous therapy, marked by inflammation of the vessel wall and surrounding tissues. its incidence varies widely, from 6.2% to over 70%, and is influenced by multiple factors. this review aimed to identify factors contributing to phlebitis to improve prevention strategies and patient care in clinical settings.methods: we conducted an integrative review of relevant articles, including clinical studies, meta-analyses, and case reports published up to october 2024. a comprehensive search was performed across pubmed, google scholar, embase, and scopus. twenty-one studies were selected for analysis and summary.results: based on the reviewed studies, several factors influence phlebitis incidence: patient-related factors, including age (older adults over 40 are generally at increased risk), gender, with inconsistent impact, and comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity; medication-related factors (drug irritancy, ph, osmolality, and particulate matter); and procedure-related factors (catheter placement and clinical practices)conclusion: phlebitis risk is shaped by patient-, product-, and process-related factors. understanding how these elements interact is essential for effective prevention and management. further research will help clinicians develop strategies to reduce complications and improve outcomes.