INCIDENCE AND PREDICTORS OF POSTOPERATIVE PAIN IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS UNDERWENT OPHTHALMOLOGICAL SURGERY AT HAWASSA UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE SPECIALIZED HOSPITAL: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY IN 2024.

Abstract

Background: Postoperative pain is a type of acute pain that occurs after surgical procedures. Although there have been studies on the incidence, predictors, and management of postoperative pain in the pediatric population, there is insufficient data about ophthalmic surgical pediatric patients. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the incidence and predictors of postoperative pain among pediatric patients underwent ophthalmological surgery at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in 2024. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 130 participants aged 2 month to 14 years at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January 8 to April 8, 2024. Participants who underwent ophthalmological surgery were included using a consecutive sampling technique. Data was collected by using pretested questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. The result was summarized by using tables and figures. Logistic regression was used for the analysis technique to see the association of the independent variable and dependent variable. Variable with a p-value of 0.2 at bivariate analysis entered into multivariable analysis and p-value less than 0.05 in multivariable analysis was considered statistically significant. Results: According to this study an overall incidence of postoperative pain in pediatric ophthalmic surgical patients was 69.2% within 24hr after surgical procedure. Age (AOR=3.672, 95% CI: 1.119-12.049), urgency of surgery (AOR=4.441, 95% CI: 1.317-14.975), anxiety (AOR=9.820, 95% CI: 3.348-28.807), and type of surgery (AOR=0.097, 95% CI: 0.010-0.961) were significantly associated with postoperative pain. Conclusion and Recommendation: Based on our study finding, the incidence of pain in pediatric ophthalmic surgery was high compared with other related studies. This shows that, the problem needs attention and awareness should be created regarding the independent predictors. Therefore, Health care providers should target those predictors to minimize the incidence of postoperative pain.