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Assessment of Saudi Mothers’ Attitudes towards Their Children’s Pain and Its Management

Author

Listed:
  • Sultan M. Alghadeer

    (Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Syed Wajid

    (Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Salmeen D. Babelghaith

    (Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohamed N. Al-Arifi

    (Clinical Pharmacy Department, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

Background and objective: Pain is a bothersome issue that is common among newborns and children of all ages. Pain can be managed using various pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological strategies, which can be delivered by healthcare providers or parents. The aim of this study is to assess the attitude of mothers toward their children’s pain and its management. Methods and materials: A descriptive cross-sectional web-based study was conducted using a developed self-reported questionnaire, from March 2018 to April 2018. Participants involved were Arabic-speaking mothers of children aged between 0 and 12. The data collected included pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment methodologies utilized to treat pain and the mothers’ attitude towards pain management. Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25 was applied to analyze the data, and descriptive statistics were performed. Results: As per the results of this study, the most common site of children’s pain as reported by the mothers was mouth/throat (211; 52.9%), abdomen (199; 49.9%), followed by head (58; 14.5%), and finally, ears (69; 17.3%). The frequency of children’s pain, as stated by the mothers, was less than once a month (196; 49.1%), once in a month (137; 34.3%), and once in a week (48; 12%). The non-pharmacological methods used by mothers at home for the management of their children’s pain were as follows: letting them take rest or sleep (250; 62.6%), feeding them with fluids (228; 57.1%), applying cold packs (161; 40.4%), providing massage therapy (147; 36.8%), using warm packs (141; 35.3%), and taking them to play (119; 29.8%). Conclusion: The misconceptions about pediatric pain management among Saudi mothers that can affect the children’s quality of life are quite noticeable. Implementing educational and awareness programs about the management of child pain could play a major role in making the parents understand the impacts of their misconceptions.

Suggested Citation

  • Sultan M. Alghadeer & Syed Wajid & Salmeen D. Babelghaith & Mohamed N. Al-Arifi, 2021. "Assessment of Saudi Mothers’ Attitudes towards Their Children’s Pain and Its Management," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-10, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:1:p:348-:d:475078
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Genny Raffaeli & Annalisa Orenti & Monia Gambino & Walter Peves Rios & Samantha Bosis & Sonia Bianchini & Claudia Tagliabue & Susanna Esposito, 2016. "Fever and Pain Management in Childhood: Healthcare Providers’ and Parents’ Adherence to Current Recommendations," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Hui Yi Chng & Hong‐Gu He & Sally Wai‐Chi Chan & Joanne Li Wee Liam & Lixia Zhu & Karis Kin Fong Cheng, 2015. "Parents’ knowledge, attitudes, use of pain relief methods and satisfaction related to their children's postoperative pain management: a descriptive correlational study," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 24(11-12), pages 1630-1642, June.
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