A Study on Nurses Knowledge and Attitude towards Cancer Pain Management in Hospital Setting

Abstract

Background: The pain effects on patient's quality of life and degree of pain control depends on knowledge and attitude of caregivers so this study was done with the objective of exploring the present knowledge and attitude of nurses about cancer pain management. Methods: It was a descriptive study. The study was done at Tribhuwan University Teaching Hospital and Bhaktapur Cancer Care Center among 50 nurses with minimum of one year experience. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used. A pretested structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents. All collected data were analyzed and categorized on the basis of research objectives and hypothesis, which was presented on table, pie chart, bar graphs and frequency polygon. Results: More than 50% answered correctly about cancer pain management. The mean knowledge score was 8.44 with standard deviation 2.1892 and mean attitude score was 9.36 with standard deviation 1.897. Statistically there are significant differences in nurses knowledge according to working area (Z=6.27; t=5.476), length of working experience (Z=2.23; t=2.20) and difference in attitude score according to level of knowledge score (Z=2.64; t=2.966). Conclusions: Further research is needed regarding pain management practice and effect of pain intervention package. There is also a need to provide training on cancer pain management. Keywords: attitude; cancer pain; knowledge; management; nurse.