Association of the knowledge of nurses about the pain management with their attitude towards cancer patients

Abstract

Objective: Proper training and knowledge about pain and pain management can help nurses during their task of active management to relieve pain, but it also builds positive attitude towards patients. We aimed to determine the association between knowledge and attitudes of the nurses about pain management of cancer patients and the relationship to different demographic and educational factors.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in four hospitals of Lahore, (Pakistan) from 1st July 2013 to 1st July 2014. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. 100 nurses working in cancer units (both medical and surgical oncology wards) were included in the study using convenient sampling technique. Nurses not working in cancer units, high positioned (head nurses) and nurses with higher education [e.g. MSc (N), post RN-BSc (N), other courses] were excluded from the study. Questionnaire used based upon the “Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain (KASRP)” for knowledge and attitude. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.

Results: Out of one hundred nurses 90% were females while 10% were males. The mean age of participants was 30.88 ± 8.91 years. Majority of the nurses i.e., 59% had inadequate knowledge. Attitude score regarding the cancer pain management was 60%. Knowledge of pain management was significantly associated with nurses attitude towards pain management (p = .001).

Conclusion: There is positive association between the knowledge and attitude towards cancer pain management. Thus, by showing good attitude, the nurses, who spend most of their time with patients can help to minimize their pain. This is only possible if the nurses have proper knowledge and education in this field