Assessment of Knowledge and Practices of Non-Pharmacological Pain Management among Nursing Students in College of Nursing Sciences, Ado Ekiti

Non-pharmacological pain management (NPPM) involves non-drug interventions such as relaxation, distraction, positioning, massage, and psychological support to alleviate pain. It is safe, cost-effective, and can complement pharmacological treatments to enhance patient comfort and outcomes. This study assessed the knowledge, practice, and perceptions of 188 nursing students regarding NPPM at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, using a descriptive cross-sectional design and a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that 130 (69.1%) students demonstrated good knowledge of NPPM, though only 76 (40.4%) reported good practice, indicating a gap between awareness and application. Perceptions were largely positive, with 134 (71.3%) expressing favorable views toward NPPM. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between level of study and knowledge (p = 0.01), while demographic factors had no significant relationship with practice. The study concludes that nursing students possess adequate knowledge and positive perceptions of NPPM, but its practice remains insufficient. Strengthening clinical supervision, enhancing curriculum integration, and providing institutional support are recommended to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and promote consistent application of NPPM in patient care. Keywords: Non-pharmacological, Pain management, Knowledge, Practice, Perception, Nursing students,