Factors influencing post - operative pain management among nurses at china – uganda friendship hospital –naguru kampala district

Abstract

Background: Post-operative pain (POP) is a form of acute pain due to surgery that results from tissue injury during the surgical procedure. Globally, the prevalence of post-operative pain represents above 50% in the first 24 hours after surgery and above 30% in the next 24 hours after surgery. In addition, a study by 32% of post-operative patients are dissatisfied with their pain control which has been attributed to a shortage of analgesics.

Study Objectives: The objective of the study was to determine the nurse-related, practice- related, and health facility factors influencing post-operative pain management among nurses working on the post-operative wards at China – Uganda Friendship Hospital – Naguru Kampala District in December 2023.

Methods: The study used a descriptive cross–sectional study design to study 32 nurses at Naguru General Hospital. A purposive sampling method was used to select study participants and data was collected using semi–structured questionnaires. Data analysis was done using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) which is presented in tables, graphs, and pie charts.

Results: The study findings revealed that only 28.1% of the respondents were adequately efficient in managing post-operative pain. Nurse–related factors had a significant positive relationship with post-operative pain management namely: nursing qualification (0.031) and the perception that sleeping patients do not experience pain (0.046). The health facility- related factors significantly associated were: the unavailability of pain assessment assisting tools at the unit (0.003), inadequate analgesics (0.004), and absence of supervision (0.023). There was no significant relationship between practice-related factors and post-operative pain management.

Recommendations: The Ministry of Health through the National Medical stores should supply adequate analgesics needed to attain effective pain management; staffing at the hospital should be increased to provide an adequate workforce; Naguru Hospital management should offer support supervision and there should be regular refresher training to improve the nurses’ skills. regarding post-operative pain management.