Assessment of pain and pain management practices in hospitalized children in Ayder, Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background

Pain in children is a commonly unaddressed, neglected, and undertreated issue. This study aims to assess pain, the clinical profile associated with pain, and pain management practices in children.

Methodology

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pediatric ward from March 20 to June 30, 2020. A total of 238 children were selected using a stratified sampling method. Pain was assessed through history (guardian/patient report), the FLACC scale (for infants and young children), and a numerical pain scale for older children. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with statistical significance considered at p-value < 0.05.

Results

All 238 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the study subjects was 6.6 ± 5.5 years. The severity of pain was assessed at the time of admission, during the hospital stay, and at discharge. The overall pain prevalence, as reported by caregivers and patients, was 67.6 %. Based on different pain assessment tools for various age groups, the magnitude of pain was 64.3 % at admission, 55.9 % during the hospital stay, and 26.5 % at discharge. Multivariable regression showed that age, area of residency, and diagnosis were significantly associated with pain. Eighty-four children (39.3 %, 84/214) who were in pain did not receive any pain relief. Paracetamol was used as an analgesic in 31.8 % of patients, and >50 % of paracetamol doses were administered as needed.

Conclusion

Pain remains a prevalent problem at admission and during the hospital stay. A significant number of patients were not properly assessed or treated for pain.