Pain-Related Knowledge and Barriers among Jordanian Nurses: A National Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore Jordanian nurses’ knowledge and attitudes regarding pain assessment, and barriers to intervention at different hospitals representing health care sectors in Jordan. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used in this study utilizing self-administered questionnaires to collect data from nurses working in public, University-affiliated, and private hospitals located on the north, mid, and south of Jordan using Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain, (n = 439). The mean of total correct answers on the 32 knowledge questions was 13.39 (SD = 4.31). Nurse-related barriers to effective pain management include patient history of alcohol abuse or drug addiction, and nursing staff reluctant to contact physician for analgesic order. Nurses working in surgical units, employed at private hospitals, holding a master degree, or who attended educational course or program scored significantly higher than other nurses. The results demonstrated knowledge deficit and attitude and that nurses underestimated and undertreated patients’ pain. Serious efforts should be taken in nursing schools and hospitals to prepare nurses and equip them with comprehensive knowledge tools to assess and manage pain appropriately.