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1- Department of Nursing Science, University of Benin, Nigeria. , timothy.ehwarieme@uniben.edu
2- Department of Nursing Science, Delta State Univerisity, United States.
3- University of Portsmouth, England.
2- Department of Nursing Science, Delta State Univerisity, United States.
3- University of Portsmouth, England.
Abstract: (46 Views)
Background: Pain management is a critical component of patient care in orthopedic wards, particularly given the prevalence of postoperative pain and traumatic injuries. This study assessed nurses' knowledge of non-pharmacological pain management (NPPM) strategies and their utilization in orthopedic wards of selected Nigerian hospitals.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used among 146 nurses recruiting by proportional to size sampling. A researcher-made and validated questionnaire was used as a data collection tool to measure the level of knowledge of non-pharmacological pain management, the use of related its strategies, and barriers to utilizing these approaches from November to December 2024. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics while hypothesis tested using multiple logistic regression at 5% level of significant. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 28.
Results Only 19(13%) had good knowledge of NPPM strategies and 22(15.1%) always applied these strategies. Commonly used NPPM strategies were: ensuring a comfortable environment (4.21±0.76), involving patient relatives in pain management (3.98±0.87), encouraging position changes to reduce pain (3.86±0.38) and teaching correct breathing techniques (3.50±0.95). Nurses within the age bracket of 36-40 years (OR = 6.83, 95% CI = 9.28-8.956), Females (OR = 6.312, 95%CI = 40.41-7.59), Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree (OR = 4.51, 95%CI = 9.30-46.882), and Principal Nursing Officers (OR = 6.41, 95%CI = 4.25-2.259,) had higher odds to utilize NPPM strategies compared to others. Also, Nurses aged 36-40 years (OR = 7.89, 95%CI = 3.25-3.75), Females (OR = 3.536, 95%CI = 4.76-3.14), and Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree (OR = 5.91, 95%CI = 9.30-46.882) were more likely to have knowledge about non-pharmacological methods. The most significant factors affecting the utilization included a lack of training, prior knowledge of these techniques, heavy workload, and inadequate physician cooperation.
Conclusion: The study reveals significant gaps in nurses' knowledge and consistent application of NPPM strategies, highlighting the need for targeted education, mentorship, standardized protocols, and addressing systemic barriers like staffing and physician collaboration to improve patient outcomes.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used among 146 nurses recruiting by proportional to size sampling. A researcher-made and validated questionnaire was used as a data collection tool to measure the level of knowledge of non-pharmacological pain management, the use of related its strategies, and barriers to utilizing these approaches from November to December 2024. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics while hypothesis tested using multiple logistic regression at 5% level of significant. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 28.
Results Only 19(13%) had good knowledge of NPPM strategies and 22(15.1%) always applied these strategies. Commonly used NPPM strategies were: ensuring a comfortable environment (4.21±0.76), involving patient relatives in pain management (3.98±0.87), encouraging position changes to reduce pain (3.86±0.38) and teaching correct breathing techniques (3.50±0.95). Nurses within the age bracket of 36-40 years (OR = 6.83, 95% CI = 9.28-8.956), Females (OR = 6.312, 95%CI = 40.41-7.59), Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree (OR = 4.51, 95%CI = 9.30-46.882), and Principal Nursing Officers (OR = 6.41, 95%CI = 4.25-2.259,) had higher odds to utilize NPPM strategies compared to others. Also, Nurses aged 36-40 years (OR = 7.89, 95%CI = 3.25-3.75), Females (OR = 3.536, 95%CI = 4.76-3.14), and Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree (OR = 5.91, 95%CI = 9.30-46.882) were more likely to have knowledge about non-pharmacological methods. The most significant factors affecting the utilization included a lack of training, prior knowledge of these techniques, heavy workload, and inadequate physician cooperation.
Conclusion: The study reveals significant gaps in nurses' knowledge and consistent application of NPPM strategies, highlighting the need for targeted education, mentorship, standardized protocols, and addressing systemic barriers like staffing and physician collaboration to improve patient outcomes.
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