MANAGEMENT OF PAIN AMONG SICKLE CELL PATIENTS AT LAUTECH TEACHING HOSPITAL OGBOMOSO OYO STATE

The study examines how pain is managed in sickle cell patients in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomosho Oyo State. This was done to view how pain is effectively managed in sickle cell patients in this facility, since it is one if the most prominent complications of the disease. A descriptive Cross-sectional design was used for this study to obtain patients' view on the management of their pain. The population of interest consisted of 52 sickle cell patients in LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Ogbomoso. The data was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire with informed consent and responses were analyzed. The outcome of the study showed that majority use medication as a pain relief method, Healthcare provider interaction include: nurses’ communication regarding pain management 17(33.2%), education or guidance from healthcare provider 31(59.3%), openly discuss concerns and questions regarding pain management plan 20(38.3%). Impact of sickle cell disease on daily life are presence of sickle cell illness has affected their mental and emotional health 19(36.0%), psychological effects of chronic pain like anxiety, depression etc. 21(39.7%). The 2 (two) hypotheses test showed that there is significant relationship between: duration of pain and the management of pain, gender of patient and management of pain with (P=.000, X2 Cal=19.222a), (P=.000, X2 Cal=82.303a) respectively. It is therefore recommended that nurses should adopt a teaching plan for sickle cell patients on various techniques of pain management including use of heat and relaxation techniques.