Knowledge and attitude of Ethiopian Parents about Paediatric Pain

Abstract Background Despite the fact that mothers care for their children's pain in most cases, it has been noted that mothers have limited knowledge and attitude about pediatric pain. A significant proportion of parents hold an erroneous attitude toward postoperative pain medications out of fear of side effects. This study aims to assess parental knowledge and attitude about postoperative pediatric pain and pain medications. Method This is institutional based cross sectional study conducted on 82 parents at NEMMCSH. A convenience sampling technique was used to select parents. This study has used a validated questioner (PPEM and MAQs). Descriptive statistics were utilized to analyse parent’s response and presented with frequency and percentage. Logistic regression analysis was done to determine the socio demographic variables predicting parental knowledge and attitude. The statistical tests were performed at 95% CI, 5% significance level. Result Only 21.7% of parents have good knowledge about pain, and 17.3% of parents have a good attitude about pain medication. About 78% of parents agreed that children always express pain by crying or whining. The majority of parents (75.6%) believe children who are playing are not in pain. Regarding to parental attitude about pain medications, majority of parents (61%) believe that children should be given pain medication as little as possible because of its side effects. Nearly 26.8% of parents consider that if children are given pain medication and 63.4% of parents respond that pain medication works best when it is given as little as possible. Most parents (73%) support the idea that pain medication should be given when the pain is quite bad. After multivariable analysis no variables are found to have association. Conclusion The overall knowledge and attitude of parents about postoperative pain and pain medication were poor. This misconception could affect effective pediatric pain management.