Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceived Barriers on Postoperative Pain Management Among Anesthetists’ in Addis Ababa Government Hospitals, Addis Ababa- Ethiopia 2015
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Date
2015-07
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Background: Postoperative pain (POP) is a common postoperative problem after surgical
procedure worldwide. Despite advanced development and understanding of pain physiology and
perception, many literature pointed out that patient are experiencing needless suffering of post
surgical pain. Undertreated and uncontrolled postoperative pain reduce physical and social
performance, impaired quality of life and patient dissatisfaction, delayed discharge, increase use
of health care resources and its associated high cost during their stay in hospital. There are many
potential barriers to adequate postoperative pain management have been cited by literatures
includes lack of health professional knowledge, negative attitudes as a result of poor or absence
of training and education system.
Purpose: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and perceived barriers regarding
postoperative pain management among anesthetists‟ in Addis Ababa Government Hospitals,
Ethiopia 2015.
Methods: A cross- sectional descriptive questionnaire survey was administered to anesthetists
who were working in 11 AAGH. Questionnaire items covered knowledge, attitude, perceived
barriers, and the participant‟s opinions on barriers to POPM. A total of 150 questionnaires were
distributed and 102 participants were analyzed with response rate 68%. The statistical significant
level was set at p< 0.05 statistical analysis were performed using SPSS version 20 software
package.
Results: The mean score of correctly answered questions by the participants were 4.9 with
standard deviation ±2.3 out of 12 items ranging from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 11.
There was significant knowledge difference among anesthetists‟ in their academic level. The
mean number of correct responses provided by Msc holders was higher than Bsc and diploma
holders at 6.9, 4.7, and 4.4 respectively. Only 6.9% of participants were knowledgeable.
Conclusion: The overall knowledge deficit of anesthetist‟ was found. An effective educational
strategy for surgical pain management is needed in order to improve health professionals‟
knowledge and clinical practices
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Addis Ababa Government Hospitals