Factors Influencing Neonatal Pain Management Practices Among Healthcare Providers at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital and Princess Marina Hospital, Botswana: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Neonatal pain management is a global challenge, particularly in low and middle income countries like Botswana, due to inadequate resources, training, and evidence-based practice. This study therefore sought to assess neonatal pain management practices  by Health Care Professionals at Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital and Princess Marina Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Units, Francistown and Gaborone, Botswana.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 110 Health Care Professionals selected by census method. Data was collected through a validated online questionnaire analyzed using Stata version 18 with descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and logistic regression tests. A 95% confidence interval and 5% significance interval and 5% significance level were applied.

Results: Results revealed that 79% of respondents had good neonatal pain management practices, while 21% had poor practices. Knowledgeable respondents were over six times more likely to have good practices than not knowledgeable ones (AOR=6.34; 95% CI: 0.10-22.7, p <.001). Those who received formal training in neonatal pain management were about four times more likely to exhibit good practices than those without training (AOR=3.97; 95% CI: 0.37-1.82, p =.046). Respondents who reported having protocols had a 1.13 likelihood of good practices (AOR= 1.13; 95% CI: 0.12-1.02, p= .012). Non-Christian respondents had 23% lower odds of good practices, while Christians had76.9% higher odds (AOR= 0.231; 95% CI: 0.98-1.25, p = .002).

Conclusion: The results highlight the importance of consistent access to pain management protocols, improved nurses' training, and hands-on experiences.