Abstract:
Background
The care of high-risk neonates in intensive care units is a relatively new field in resource-limited
countries. Consequently, pain management of neonates has not been included or considered as
part of neonatal care. Neonatal pain is more difficult to assess than adult pain, as they are unable
to self-report. Nurses and midwives caring for neonates have a professional responsibility to
recognise and manage neonatal pain.
Objectives
To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of nurses and midwives providing neonatal pain
management at two hospitals in Kigali.
Methodology
A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Data were collected from a convenience sample
of 66 nurses and midwives providing neonatal care. Data analysis was achieved through
descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results
The majority (74.2%) demonstrated a low level of knowledge of neonatal pain and its
management. Over half (51.5%) had a positive attitude toward neonatal pain management,
though over three quarters (84.8%) reported a low level of integrating pain management into
practice.
Conclusions
There is a knowledge deficit among the nurses and midwives providing neonatal pain
management. A gap lies between their attitude and practice. More educational opportunities
are needed to better assess and manage pain in the neonatal patient.
