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నైరూప్య

Perception and Expression of Pain in Patients Attending University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla Enugu

Stanley N and Chinwe EF

This study examined the perception and expression of pain in patients attending the University of Nigeria, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu. Pain is often described as a subjective complaint that acts as a warning sign. It is a common reason for people to visit hospitals. Patients in male, female and pediatric medical and surgical wards were the target population. A sample size (96) was determined using yaro-yaman formula. The data were collected through a qualitative interview. A pilot study was carried out to test the validity and reliability of the instrument. The study was guided by three objectives and two hypotheses. From the data analysis, it was found that 55.2% of the respondents were female and 44.8% were males, 41.1% were within the age range of 16-30 years, 31.8% (31-40 years), 21% (41-55 years), and 2.5% (5-15 years). The following factors were found to influence pain perception and expression: lack of finance, lack of knowledge regarding the outcome of the disease, family relation and attitude of nurses. The common forms of pain amongst the patients are physical (49.4%) and psychological pain (40.1%). As regards of expression of pain, 29.1% expressed by frowning, 21.3% by crying and groaning and 16.4% by shouting. Hypothetically, there was no significant relationship found between patient’s characteristics and pain expression. The researcher therefore recommends that patients relations be involved in their care, the Nurses should display a positive attitude towards their patients.