Quantitative study of oncology nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards pain management in Saudi Arabian hospitals

Pain is an unpleasant human experience, often associated with underlying medical conditions, and a key reason for individuals experiencing pain to seek medical advice. However, the pain experience is unique and subjective, and affects people's quality of life, as well as impacting on their concerned family members. Optimal pain management requires adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and competent pain assessment measures. It has been reported that oncology nurses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have inadequate knowledge, assessment skills and management of pain.

Objective: This paper aims to examine nurses' knowledge and attitudes regarding pain management in Saudi Arabian hospitals (SA).

Method: A cross-sectional survey was administered to 320 nurses exhibiting considerable racial, cultural, religious and professional diversity, working in oncology units at five hospitals in the KSA. Self-completed survey questionnaires were distributed using the 'Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain' (KASRP) tool.

Results: The nurses exhibited a relatively poor overall knowledge of pain management (mean score = 45.1%; 95% CI = 43.9%, 46.2%). The mean KASRP scores varied significantly at α = 0.05 with respect to the nurses' nationality, whether they had attended pain-related courses, and whether they had participated in research.

Conclusion: The results indicate the urgency needed to reform pain management education for oncology nurses in the KSA.