COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF SURGICAL NURSES TOWARD POSTOPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT IN TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE

Abstract

Background: Effective postoperative pain management is essential for patients’ surgical recovery. Surgical nurses play an important role in managing pain after surgery. However, differences in knowledge and attitude toward postoperative pain management can affect the quality of patient care.  Aim: This study comparatively assessed surgical nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward postoperative pain management in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital and Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. 156 surgical nurses (LTH=87 and BUTH=69) participated in this study. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and attitude towards postoperative pain management. Data obtained were analysed using frequency, percentage, Mean ± Standard deviation, independent samples t-test and Chi-square test. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. Results: Most surgical nurses in LTH (67.8%) and BUTH (71.0%) had moderate knowledge, while slightly over half had positive attitudes in LTH (55.2%) and BUTH (53.6%). There were no significant differences in knowledge or attitude in both hospitals (p>0.05). Knowledge was significantly associated with positive attitudes in both hospitals (p<0.05). In LTH, educational level and surgical ward were significantly associated with knowledge and attitudes, whereas, in BUTH, gender and surgical wards were significantly associated with attitude (p<0.05). Conclusion: Surgical nurses in both hospitals demonstrated moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward postoperative pain management, with no significant inter-hospital differences. Persistent gaps regarding opioid use and misconceptions about pain expression and tolerance remain prevalent. There is a need for regular in-service training and evidence-based interventions to address persistent gaps.