Prevalence and Contributing Factors Associated With Postoperative Pain in Pediatric Patients: A Cross-Sectional Follow-up Study

Abstract

Background: Pain is a stressful condition considered to be a global health problem, and children are the most vulnerable and under-served population. Moderate to severe postoperative pain in pediatric population is associated with physiological, psychological and emotional adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and contributing factors associated with postoperative pain in pediatric patients. Methods: Institution-based, cross sectional follow-up study was conducted from February 1 to April 30, 2020. Data were entered into Epi-info version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. The strength of association of dependent and independent variables was presented by crude and adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval. Binary logistic regression analysis was used and variables with a p-value of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The Face, Leg, Activity, Cry and Consolability (FLACC) scale was used to measure pain severity. Results: A total of 153 pediatric patients aged 2 to 12 years were included. The prevalence of moderate to severe pain after pediatric surgery was 40.5% (95% CI: 32.7, 48.4). Preoperative anxiety (AOR: 2.24, 95% CI: 1.02, 4.88), history of preoperative pain (AOR: 3.97, 95% CI: 1.55, 10.19), neurologic surgery [AOR: 8.32, 95% CI: 1.77, 39.12) and incision size greater than 10 cm (AOR: 3.41, 95% CI: 1.08, 10.77) were significantly associated with postoperative pain. Conclusion: The prevalence of moderate to severe post-operative pain was high. Preoperative anxiety, history of preoperative pain, type of surgery and incision length were significantly associated with postoperative pain. The magnitude of postoperative pain remains high and a plan for adequate pain management and preoperative anxiety reduction needs to be developed.