The Influence of Nurses' Attributes and Educational Background on Pain Management: Perspectives, Beliefs, and Clinical Application

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate factors influencing nurses' knowledge of pain management and their association with various demographic and professional characteristics. Methods: Data from 200 actively participating nurses was analyzed. Demographic and professional factors such as academic rank, prior pain education, and onsite training were examined. The impact of educational experiences, including the duration of pain education and onsite training, was assessed. Additionally, the association between academic qualifications and knowledge levels was investigated. Results: Significant influencers of nurses' pain management knowledge included academic rank, prior pain education, and onsite training. Nurses with more than 5 hours of pain education during their academic curriculum were 2.34 times more likely to demonstrate knowledge. Similarly, those who underwent onsite pain management training were 2.19 times more likely to exhibit knowledge. Nurses with a Bachelor of Science degree or higher were 3.09 times more likely to possess knowledge compared to those with diploma qualifications. Conclusion: Targeted educational interventions, such as integrating pain management education into academic curricula and providing onsite training, are crucial for enhancing nurses' understanding and proficiency in pain management practices. Higher academic qualifications also play a significant role in equipping nurses with the necessary skills to effectively manage pain in clinical settings. This study emphasizes the importance of educational initiatives in improving the quality of pain management care provided to patients.