Comparison of Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Pediatric Pain Management in Different Care Hospitals in Iraq

Abstract

Background: Inadequate pain management for hospitalized children is a major issue, often due to gaps in healthcare providers' knowledge. Nurses play a key role in effective pain relief, and proper training and compassion are essential for children's well-being and recovery

Aim: To assess the nurses' knowledge and attitude regarding pediatric pain management in Dr. Jamal Ahmad Rashid's Pediatric Teaching Hospital and Hiwa Cancer Hospital.

Methodology: A quantitative descriptive study design was conducted at Dr. Jamal Ahmad Rashid’s Pediatric Teaching Hospital and Hiwa Cancer Hospital in Sulaymaniyah City, Iraq. A non-probability (purposive) sampling technique was used, and 182 nurses working in pediatric care from both hospitals participated. All statistical computation is enhanced using statistical methods (SPSS 24).

 Result: Of 182 nurses, 67.6% had positive attitudes, and 42.9% had a good understanding of pediatric pain management. There were significant differences between hospitals (p = 0.000), with nurses at Hiwa Hospital outperforming those at Dr. Jamal Hospital in both knowledge (86.5% vs. 25.4%) and attitudes (88.5% vs. 59.2%). The knowledge and attitude gaps, particularly at Dr. Jamal Pediatric Teaching Hospital, highlight the need for targeted training.

Conclusion: The study presents important details about the attitudes and knowledge of nurses in Sulaymaniyah City, Kurdistan Region, Iraq, regarding the care of pediatric pain. While the majority of nurses demonstrated fair to good knowledge and positive attitudes.