A qualitative exploration of cognitive and sociocultural influences on postoperative pain among urological patients in Ghana
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences
Abstract
Background: Patients ascribe diverse meanings to postoperative pain (POP), usually based on personal beliefs.
However, patients’ perceptions about the causes of pain are usually influenced by their traditional beliefs and
misconceptions, and cultural factors such as ethnic background serve as barriers to effective pain control. The
study sought to explore the cognitive and sociocultural aspects of postoperative pain experience after urological
surgeries.
Methods: The study employed exploratory descriptive qualitative research design. Twelve male participants who
had undergone urological surgery in a teaching hospital were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were
collected through individual face-to-face in-depth interviews, conducted in English and Akan languages. The
interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Ethical considerations such as informed consent, anonymity,
and confidentiality were ensured. Concurrent data analysis was done engaging the processes of content
analysis.
Findings: Cognitive aspects of the POP revealed three themes; the knowledge of the pain, attitude, and beliefs of
the patients, and meanings the patients ascribed to the pain. Similarly, sociocultural aspects revealed two
emerging themes; the family dynamics and roles influencing pain experience, and individual cultural background
and belief systems. The participants’ diverse views and experiences influenced their pain expression and experience
after urological surgery.
Conclusions: Postoperative pain is a multidimensional experience and includes socio-cultural and cognitive aspects.
Therefore, contemporary pain management strategies should focus on client-centered and culturally
sensitive interventions.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Qualitative, Cognitive, Sociocultural, Pain experience