Identifying nursing students' attitudes towards patients with chronic pain: Quantitative study

Objectives: This study aimed to identify nursing students’ attitudes towards patients with chronic pain.
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted between May and June 2023 with the students of the Department of Nursing. No sample selection was made in the study; the aim was to reach the entire population. The population consisted of 450 students. The sample included 398 students who agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using the Personal Data Form and the Scale for Healthcare Professionals’ Attitudes towards Patients with Chronic Pain. Permission for the study was obtained from the Ethics Committee.
Results: According to the study findings, 31.1% of the students always encountered patients with chronic pain, and 69.3% had not received training on chronic pain management. As students’ grade level increased, their scores from the sensitivity and misconception orientation factors also increased (p<0.05). As the frequency of encountering patients with chronic pain increased, scores from the sensitivity orientation factor significantly increased (p<0.05). Those who felt insufficient in pain management had significantly lower scores from the sensitivity orientation factor.
Conclusion: The results showed that students’ attitudes towards patients with chronic pain were good, although not very good. Among the students, those who were female, had more clinical practice experience, frequently encountered patients with chronic pain, and felt sufficient in pain management had stronger positive attitudes towards patients with chronic pain.