Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviors, and Factors Affecting the Management of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain in PatientLiving in the Community

บทคัดย่อ

This study was conducted to evaluateknowledge, attitude, behavior, and factors influencepain management of patientswith chronic non-cancer pain in 2 communities of Mahasarakham province. Drug related problems were also evaluated. Twenty-three patients were surveyed and 10 patients were in-depth interviewed. The results showed that21 of 23 patients were female with age range from 50-79 years old. The knowledge and behavior of patients on pain managements were at good level, whereasattitude to pain management were at moderate level. Physician suggestions and convenience to buy medicineswere the major factors affecting pain medication used (15 and 9 patients, respectively). Paracetamol was the most common drug used for pain management (18 patients). Drug related problems of tanking drug with no indication label and taking mixed of drugs containing steroids (Ya-Chud)were founded in 13 and 10 patients, respectively.Five main themes were identified from in-depth interview including: (1) perspectives on chronic non-cancer pain and impacts of pain (2) health behaviors of pain management (3) ways of managing pain (4) attitudes toward taking pain medication (5) attitudesof health care professionals  on  pain management. Patientsneed more caring and suggestion from health care professionals for better pain management. Poor efficacy and occurring side effect symptoms from pain medications could produce non-adherence of patients. In conclusion, this study provides better understanding about perspectives, health behaviors and pain medication problems of chronic non-cancer pain patients in community. This information is essential for developing pharmacist’s roles to improving better pain management services in this group of patients.