An Appraisal of Nurses' Knowledge and Practices Regarding Pain Management in Elderly Patients in Benue State
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Background of the Study
Pain management in elderly patients is a critical aspect of healthcare, as older adults frequently suffer from chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, neuropathic pain, and musculoskeletal disorders (Hadjistavropoulos et al., 2023). Effective pain management is essential for improving their quality of life, preventing functional decline, and reducing hospitalizations. However, pain in elderly patients is often undertreated due to misconceptions, inadequate assessment, and suboptimal pain management strategies among healthcare providers, including nurses (Pergolizzi et al., 2024).
Nurses play a central role in pain management, as they are responsible for pain assessment, medication administration, and non-pharmacological interventions. However, studies indicate that many nurses have inadequate knowledge of pain assessment tools, analgesic use, and alternative pain relief techniques, which can negatively impact patient outcomes (Akinci et al., 2023). Furthermore, misconceptions such as the belief that elderly patients have a higher pain threshold or that opioid use inevitably leads to addiction often result in undertreatment (Rashid et al., 2024).
In Benue State, Nigeria, healthcare facilities face challenges such as inadequate training, limited resources, and high patient loads, which may contribute to suboptimal pain management practices (Eze et al., 2024). Additionally, cultural beliefs about pain tolerance and concerns regarding opioid misuse further complicate pain treatment in elderly patients. This study aims to evaluate nurses' knowledge and practices regarding pain management in elderly patients in Benue State to identify gaps and propose recommendations for improving care.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the increasing elderly population in Nigeria and their growing need for pain management, there is limited research assessing nurses' knowledge and practices in this area. Many elderly patients in Benue State experience inadequate pain relief due to improper assessment and underutilization of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions (Oyedeji & Onwumere, 2024). This issue leads to decreased mobility, psychological distress, and overall diminished quality of life.
Existing studies suggest that nurses' insufficient knowledge about pain management contributes to suboptimal care (Morris et al., 2023). Inadequate training, lack of awareness of pain management guidelines, and fear of opioid dependence are common barriers. This study seeks to assess nurses' knowledge and practices regarding pain management in elderly patients, identify gaps in practice, and suggest strategies for improvement in Benue State hospitals.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the level of knowledge among nurses regarding pain management in elderly patients in Benue State.
2. To evaluate the pain management practices currently implemented by nurses in hospitals.
3. To identify barriers to effective pain management and propose strategies for improvement.
Research Questions
1. What is the level of knowledge among nurses regarding pain management in elderly patients?
2. What pain management practices are currently used by nurses in hospitals in Benue State?
3. What are the major barriers to effective pain management in elderly patients, and how can they be addressed?
Research Hypotheses
1. Nurses in Benue State have inadequate knowledge of pain management in elderly patients.
2. The current pain management practices among nurses are not in full compliance with evidence-based guidelines.
3. Addressing knowledge gaps through training programs will significantly improve pain management practices.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on nurses working in hospitals in Benue State, assessing their knowledge and practices regarding pain management in elderly patients. It will examine both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. However, the study is limited by factors such as self-reported data, which may introduce bias, and its exclusion of other healthcare professionals involved in pain management.
Definitions of Terms
• Pain Management: The process of assessing and treating pain using pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Elderly Patients: Individuals aged 60 years and above who require specialized medical care.
• Pharmacological Interventions: Pain management strategies involving medications such as opioids, NSAIDs, and adjuvant drugs.
• Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Alternative pain relief methods, including physical therapy, acupuncture, and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
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