Factors Influencing Nurses' Adherence to Pain Management Protocols: A Cross-Sectional Study in Two Secondary Hospitals, Nigeria

This study examines factors associated with nurses’ adherence to pain management protocols in two secondary hospitals in Delta State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to survey 167 registered nurses at Central Hospital Warri and Ekpan General Hospital. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, pain assessment knowledge, attitudes, clinical practices, and perceived barriers to protocol adherence. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis. The findings identified workload, access to training, availability of pain medications, and cooperation between nurses and physicians as important factors associated with adherence. Electronic health record systems showed no statistically significant association with adherence. Respondents reported varying practices in pain assessment, documentation, reassessment, patient education, and advocacy. The study recommends regular professional training, adequate staffing, reliable access to essential medications and assessment tools, supportive supervision, and stronger interprofessional collaboration to support consistent, evidence-based pain management.