KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE OF NON PHARMACOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PAIN AMONG SICKLE CELL CLIENTS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS, SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Nigeria is among the major endemic countries where Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) causes serious psychological pains to the patients. The management of pain in SCD involves multitasking and multidisciplinary approach. Over the... [ view full abstract ]

Nigeria is among the major endemic countries where Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) causes serious psychological pains to the patients. The management of pain in SCD involves multitasking and multidisciplinary approach. Over the years, management of the pains usually involves pharmacological approach; empirical studies have shown that Non Pharmacological Approach has been practised worldwide but still new in tropical sub-Saharan countries including Nigeria. Hence, this study examines the Non Pharmacological approach combines with biofeedback, self-hypnosis, relaxation therapy and cognitive-behavioural interventions. The study adopted a descriptive research design targeted at sickle cell clients between the ages of 10-60 years attending haematological clinics at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo both in Osun State, Southwestern, Nigeria. Sample Size was derived using Taro Yamane’s formular with a structured Questionnaire through accidental sampling methods to 200 respondents. The data were analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Providers (SPSS). The study clearly reveals 56% of the total respondents were female clients while 44% were male respondents. The study also revealed that clients engaged in eight major Non Pharmacological Management of Pain (NPMP) with Application of Ice Block to the painful locations of the body with 73%, Massage 68.4%, Dancing 11.5%, Swimming 20.7%, Self- hypnosis 10.3%, Acupuncture 37.9%, Physical Exercise 29.9%, Heater Usage 69.5% and Others 1.1%. The study also revealed that 37.5% of the respondents have poor knowledge about NPMP, 25% with good knowledge, 20% with fair knowledge and 17.5 % with very good knowledge. The study concludes that majority of the respondents are not satisfied with the use of NPMP for the management of SCD. Hence, the study suggest that health providers should take into cognizance awareness campaign on various methods of Non Phamacological Management of Pain (NPMP).




Keywords: Sickle Cell Disease; Non Pharmacological Pain; Clients; Nigeria.