Prevalence and factors associated with acute pain among emergency trauma patients.

BACKGROUND

Acute pain is a sudden experience secondary to injuries and varies in perception among individuals. In trauma patients, it can negatively affect respiratory function, immune response, and wound healing, making it a significant public health concern. This study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with acute pain among emergency trauma patients.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires and patient chart review. The data were analyzed via the statistical package for social science version 25. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. Variables with a P-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

A total of 397 patients were included in the study, for a response rate of 96.8%. The prevalence of pain during admission was 91.9% (95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]: 88.8%-94.4%). Blunt trauma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.82; 95% CI: 1.23-6.45), analgesia before admission to the emergency department (aOR=2.71; 95% CI: 1.16-6.36), documentation of pain severity in the chart (aOR=2.71; 95% CI: 1.16-6.36), analgesia provided within two hours after admission (aOR=7.60; 95% CI: 2.79-20.68), use of non-pharmacological pain management methods (aOR=3.09; 95% CI: 1.35-7.08) and availability of analgesia (aOR=3.95; 95% CI: 1.36-11.43) were associated with acute pain experience.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of acute pain among emergency trauma patients was high in the study area. Analgesia should be administered prior to admission, and non-pharmacological pain management should be implemented. Moreover, training on pain assessment and management should be provided for healthcare providers in the emergency department.