Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses’ Knowledge and Use of Sucrose for Neonatal Pain Management in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Sucrose is an evidence-based intervention used for short-term pain management and distress from minor procedures. Limited research exists on nurses’ knowledge and use of sucrose in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Saudi Arabia. Objective: To assess nurses’ knowledge and use of sucrose in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was used to collect data from a convenience sample of 68 neonatal intensive care nurses in Saudi Arabia. A modified tool assessed the knowledge and use of sucrose. Logistic regression analysis was used to find the predictors for sucrose use. Results: Most respondents never used sucrose for neonatal pain management and did not receive any training on sucrose. The mean knowledge of nurses regarding sucrose and its use was very low (38%): 16% had a high level of knowledge regarding sucrose, 13% moderate, 19% low, and 52% very low. Nurses who received training on sucrose use and nurses who read or heard about sucrose predicted the use of sucrose. Conclusion: Nurses’ knowledge and use of sucrose were inadequate. Interventional programs are needed to enhance the nurses’ knowledge regarding sucrose and its use and to enhance the utilization of sucrose as a pain management intervention in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Saudi Arabia.