Severity and Risk Factors of Post-Operative Pain in University of Gondar Hospital, Northeast Ethiopa

Abstract

Background: Pain is a sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage according to Association of the Study of Pain. Despite advances in medical science inadequate post-operative pain management exists in Ethiopia and worldwide. Several perioperative and pre-clinical factors are recognized in contributing to enhancement of pain severity and its adverse effect. Objective: This study is aimed at assessing the severity and identifying the risk factors contributing to postoperative pain. Methodology: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted on all patients who came to Gondar university hospital, Ethiopia operating theatre from March-of April 15, 2013. Data was collected by administering questionnaires via interview and reviewing the patients chart after taking consent. Numeric rating scale was used to assess pain severity. Logistic regression was used to identify independent risk factors for post-operative pain. Result: 150 patients are included in the prospective study. Moderate to severe pain was reported in 85(57%) of patients in the immediate post-operative period and 117(78%) in the 1st 12 hour. On multivariate analysis ASA I and II OR (4.0) P (0.013), age less than 60 OR (2.642) P (0.042), female gender with an OR (2.580) P (0.005), general anesthesia OR (5.562) P (0.000), and incision length >10cm OR (1.991) P (0.041) were identified as independent risk factors for post-operative pain severity. Conclusion: The study confirms that post-operative pain is still severe and under managed. Identifying perioperative factors for the occurrence of moderate/severe post-operative pain may be useful for designing factor specific interventions to relieve patient suffering.