Abstract

This study aims to identify factors influencing pediatric pain management among nurses and the use of distraction techniques in a pediatric unit in Benin City, Nigeria. The study adopts a descriptive cross-sectional survey design and employs a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected from nurses in the pediatric unit of a selected hospital, using a structured questionnaire focused on socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of distraction techniques, and influencing factors. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 to generate descriptive statistics. Results showed that auditory distractions were the most frequently used technique (42.7%), followed by visual distractions (26.0%), tactile distractions (16.7%), and cognitive distractions (12.5%). For age-specific techniques, physical comfort through rocking and swaddling was predominant for infants (63.5%), while listening to music or nursery rhymes was preferred for toddlers (32.3%). Drawing or coloring was most used for preschoolers (49.0%), watching TV for school-age children (53.1%), and listening to music for adolescents (42.7%).  Furthermore, the majority of respondents were female (66.7%) and within the 31-35 year age range. Over half (63.5%) were single, and most had significant work experience, with 20.8% having 6-10 years of experience in the pediatric unit. The study identifies the availability of resources, nurses' training, and institutional protocols as critical factors influencing the use of distraction techniques. Among nurses, 81.2% strongly agreed that resource availability impacts their use of distraction techniques, and 42.7% cited the importance of training. Furthermore, the severity of the child's pain and parental involvement were significant factors in decision-making regarding pain management strategies. It is recommended that healthcare facilities provide consistent training on pain management and enhance resource availability to support distraction techniques in pediatric units. Further research is needed to explore additional barriers to effective pediatric pain management and to develop tailored intervention strategies.

Keyword: Pain management, Distraction Technique, Pediatric, Nurses