Nursing Students’ Attitudes Toward Pain Assessment: A Critical Component in Pain Management- A Descriptive and Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: This study aimed to examine nursing students’ attitudes toward pain assessment. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study sample consisted of 184 nursing students (2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade) studying at a state university. Data were collected online between July and September 2023 using the “Participant Information Form” and “Nursing Students' Attitudes Towards Pain Assessment Scale” (NSASPA). Data was analyzed using the independent samples t-test, ANOVA, correlation, and linear regression analysis. Results: Of the students, 71.7% were females, and 88% believed in the effectiveness of nurses in pain management. The mean score of the students' perceived pain assessment success in their clinical practice was 6.86±1.71 (min-max:1-10; on a scale from 0 to 10). The mean total score of NSASPA was 63.65±7.23. The mean total score of the students who believed in the effectiveness of nurses in pain management and used pain assessment tools was statistically significantly higher (p<0.05). The students' attitudes towards pain assessment had a statistically significant effect on their perceived success in pain assessment, explaining 13.7% of the variance. The statement most frequently agreed with by students was “I would like to receive more pain assessment training.” Conclusions: Nursing students' attitudes towards pain assessment were positive. Students who believed in the effectiveness of nurses in pain management and used pain assessment tools had more positive attitudes toward pain assessment. Students' positive attitudes toward pain assessment positively predicted their perceived success in pain assessment. Students most frequently agreed that they wanted more training in pain assessment.