Knowledge and attitude of nursing students toward pain management and opioids: A cross-sectional survey in the western region Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Pain management is a global epidemic with grave effects on the patients and communities. Nurses are an important part of the multidisciplinary pain management team. Multiple studies have found inadequate knowledge and a negative attitude toward pain among nurses. We aim to examine the knowledge and attitude of nursing students in Saudi Arabia and the potential effects on future patient care. Methods: We employed a previously validated tool; the Nurses' Knowledge and Attitude Survey Regarding Pain NKASRP. Our population included two of the major Nursing Colleges in Western Saudi Arabia. We published the survey and collected the data electronically. We analyzed the data calculating averages and regression analysis as needed. Results: We collected 261 responses. Our results showed that the average score on the NKASRP was 44.9% - inadequate - with only two students passing the 80% cutoff point. Also, the score is not statistically different according to academic level, which implies that the curriculum does not improve the knowledge nor the attitude of nursing students over its course. Conclusion: Our study suggests there is a very strong need for the Nursing College Curriculum review by nursing educational leaders in Saudi Arabia regarding the pain education component. Improving curriculums might improve nursing students' outcomes, hence improving the quality of life for our patients and community.