Prevalence and Factors Associated with Acute Pain among Emergency Trauma Patients in Amhara National Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia 2024: A multicenter prospective follow up study.

Abstract

Abstract Background: Acute pain is a sudden experience that arises from injuries and varies in perception among individuals. In trauma patients, it can adversely affect respiratory function, immune response, and wound healing, making it a significant public health concern. Despite these effects, this issue remains unexplored in the study areas. Objective: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with acute pain among emergency trauma patients in Amhara National Regional State Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia 2024. Methods: A multicenter prospective follow-up study was conducted from April 30 to June 30, 2024. An interviewer-administered questionnaire and patient chart review were used to collect data. All consecutive patients were included in the study. Data were entered into EPI-Data version 4.6.0.6 and transferred into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Adjusted Odds Ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to show the strength of the association. Variables with a P-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 397 patients were included in the study, with a response rate of 96.8%. The prevalence of pain during admission was 91.9% (95% CI: 88.8, 94.4), and 77.1% (95% CI: 72.6, 81.1) after two hours of admission. Blunt trauma (AOR: 2.82; 95% CI: 1.23, 6.45), analgesia before admission to the emergency department (AOR: 2.712; 95% CI: 1.156, 6.36), documentation of pain severity in the chart (AOR: 2.712; 95% CI: 1.156-6.36), analgesia provided within two hours after admission (AOR: 7.597; 95% CI: 2.79–20.68), use of non-pharmacological pain management methods (AOR: 3.094; 95% CI: 1.352–7.08), and availability of medication (AOR: 3.95; 95% CI: 1.364, 11.428) were negatively associated with acute pain experience. Conversely, anxiety was positively associated with acute pain after two hours (AOR: 7.69; 95% CI: 3.745-15.788). Conclusions and recommendations: Most emergency trauma patients in the study areas experienced acute pain. Analgesia should be administered prior to admission, and non-pharmacological pain management should be implemented. Furthermore, ensuring the availability of analgesic medications and addressing anxiety management should be prioritized.