Abstract

Background: Despite significant recent advances regarding management of postoperative pain (POP), inadequately treated POP is still prevalent worldwide, especially so in resource-limited setting like Tanzania. Inadequate management of POP leads to delayed mobilization, prolonged hospital stay, increased hospital costs, and patient dissatisfaction. This study aimed to assess the common analgesics used, effectiveness and patients’ satisfaction on POP management among women undergoing caesarean section at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC).

Methods: A cross sectional hospital based study with was conducted at BMC from February 2018 to May 2018. POP and patients' satisfaction with pain relief scores was assessed using Numerical Rating Scale and two point question on whether the patient was satisfied or not satisfied. Data was analyzed by using STATA version 13

Results: A total of 303 women undergoing caesarean section were studied. Pethidine was the most commonly used analgesic administered during the first 24 hours (98.7%) , followed by diclofenac (94.7%), Aceclofenac (2.6%), Paracetamol (2.3%), and Tramadol (0.3%) at 48 hours postoperatively. The prevalence of moderate to severe POP was 26.7% at recovery, 68.6% at 24 hours and 38.3% at 48 hours. The majority of patients, 89.4% reported that they were satisfied with post operative pain management provided. Patients whose analgesia was administered intravenously were more likely to be satisfied with POP management than those given intramuscular analgesics.

Conclusion: Though majority of patients reported to be satisfied with post operative pain management, still there was high proportion of patients with moderate to severe pain at 24 hours despite of analgesia being given. This suggests that post operative pain management of women who underwent cesarean section is suboptimal. The challenges associated with POP management following cesarean section at Bugando Medical Centre should be addressed in order to reduce postoperative morbidity, hospital stay and cost.