Knowledge and attitudes towards the management of chronic pain among healthcare providers in outpatient departments at the University Teaching Hospital of Butare (CHUB)

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic pain is a major source of suffering and is a leading reason for many patients to consult health care personnel. It interferes with, and disrupts, activities of daily living and may be accompanied by distress. Irrespective of its etiology or classification, health care professionals require a good understanding of chronic pain in order to provide appropriate treatment and care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample of 80 participants obtained by using a convenience sampling method. Data were obtained by completing a questionnaire entitled “Knowledge and attitude survey towards pain” and analyzed by using descriptive statistics, chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient and cross tabulation using SPSS. Results: Overall knowledge was inadequate. More than two thirds of participants obtained a score below 50%. There was also negative attitude, almost 51% of the participants have negative attitude to pain management. Higher level of knowledge was associated with medical profession, highest of qualification and training on pain management. Conclusion: The knowledge and attitudes of this sample of health care professionals regarding the management of chronic pain was inadequate to provide appropriate quality care for patients presenting with chronic pain conditions. This study identified the need for appropriate training for all health care professionals in order to assure adequate knowledge and skills to manage chronic pain using a multidisciplinary approach.