Awareness and Perception of Pain and Pain Management Options among Orthopedic Patients in Tertiary Hospitals in Ekiti State

Abstract

Pain is a major and distressing symptom among orthopedic patients, often hindering recovery, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life. Although global progress has been made in pain management, inadequate awareness and negative perceptions of pain relief options persist, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, particularly Ekiti State, limited studies have explored patients’ knowledge and perceptions regarding pain and available management strategies. This study assessed the awareness and perception of pain and pain-management options among orthopedic patients in selected tertiary hospitals in Ekiti State and examined the factors influencing their utilization, including commonly used non-pharmacological methods. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among patients receiving care in the orthopedic units of Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital. Using a total enumeration and convenience sampling approach, 53 eligible patients aged 18 years and above were recruited. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 27, using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed generally low awareness, with 58.5% demonstrating poor knowledge of pain-management options. Perception was largely negative (62%), with misconceptions linking analgesics to addiction, weakness, and adverse effects. Key influencing factors included inadequate health-worker education, fear of addiction, high cost or unavailability of medications, and cultural beliefs. Prayer, distraction, and positioning were common non-pharmacologic methods, while evidence-based techniques were underused. Both null hypothesis were accepted meaning there is no significant relationship between the level of education(p=0.5412), as well as duration of admission and awareness and perception of pain management. The study concludes that orthopedic patients exhibit poor awareness and negative perceptions toward pain-management options.