Assessment of Nurses' knowledge and attitudes about pain management at Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital, Iraq

Background: Pain is one of the most important vital signs that need experience in nursing work, as only the patient can accurately express the intensity of his pain. Pain impacts the patient's lifestyle and recovery from illness, as well as feelings and reactions. Because they spend more time with patients the nurse must be familiar with pain management, pain physiology, and the physiological implications of acute and chronic pain. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess nurses' knowledge and attitudes about pain management at Al-Diwaniyah teaching hospital. Methodology: A descriptive design study was conducted at Al-Diwaniyah Teaching Hospital (Surgery Department, Emergency Department, Oncology Department, Coronary Care Unit). Research tool A face-to-face questionnaire was used. The questionnaire consists of the following parts: demographic information (6 questions), nurses' attitudes toward pain management (22 questions), and knowledge about Pain. Management (14 questions) A non-probability (objective) sample was used to test (200 nurses working in the above units, the sample was collected during the period from April 1, 2022) to July 1, 2022. Results: The study shows The level of Assessment of knowledge and attitudes about Pain and its management is a fair average (90%); the characteristics of the current study showed that the highest percentage of females was (108) females at the age of (20-29) years. In addition, the highest percentage had nursing experience (1-5 years), and the highest percentage of nurses had a bachelor's degree. The highest percentage had not received training courses on Pain in the past, and There was no statistically significant association between nurses' knowledge, attitude, and socio-demographic characteristics. Conclusion: The study results show that the knowledge and attitude about pain management are fair. Recommendations: Conducting activities to develop the knowledge and trends of pain management among nurses; educational lectures must be published to communicate updates from the latest studies regarding pain management and treatment, and continuing education systems must be activated in hospitals.