Implications for Nursing Practice

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 79 views

Introduction

Pain is a common complaint experienced by osteoarthritis patients, significantly affecting their quality of life. The impact of pain is not limited to physical discomfort but also extends to various aspects of daily life, including daily activities, moods, social relations, and overall well-being. This study aims to investigate the relationship between pain interference and pain intensity in osteoarthritis patients receiving treatment at the Adam Malik Hospital Medan.

Methodology

This research employed a descriptive correlation approach with a cross-sectional method. A total of 30 respondents were involved in the study, which was conducted from April to June 2019. To measure pain interference, researchers utilized the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) questionnaire, while pain intensity was assessed using a numerical assessment scale (NRS).

Results

The results of the study revealed that more than half of the respondents (53.3%) experienced very disturbing pain interference, while less than half (46.7%) reported severe pain levels. The relationship between pain interference and pain intensity was tested using Pearson Product Moment analysis, which produced a significance value (p = 0.00) and a correlation coefficient (R = 0.73). This indicates a significant and strong positive correlation between the two variables, suggesting that individuals experiencing high levels of pain interference tend to have higher pain intensity levels, and vice versa.

Discussion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding pain interference in nursing practices. Pain interference is not limited to physical pain but also affects daily activities, moods, social relations, and overall quality of life. Therefore, nurses are expected to be more sensitive to these various aspects when providing nursing care. The results of this study emphasize the need for extra attention to pain management in osteoarthritis patients, focusing not only on reducing pain but also on improving overall quality of life.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The results of this study have significant implications for nursing practice. By understanding the relationship between pain interference and pain intensity, nurses can provide more holistic care and focus on patient welfare. Reducing pain interference can enable patients to return to their activities more comfortably and improve their social interaction. Nurses are expected to be more sensitive to the various aspects of pain interference and provide care that addresses these needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding pain interference in osteoarthritis patients. The results of this study demonstrate a significant and strong positive correlation between pain interference and pain intensity. Nurses are expected to be more sensitive to the various aspects of pain interference and provide care that addresses these needs. By reducing pain interference, nurses can improve the overall quality of life of osteoarthritis patients.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Nurses should be more sensitive to the various aspects of pain interference when providing nursing care.
Pain management should focus not only on reducing pain but also on improving overall quality of life.
Nurses should provide more holistic care that addresses the needs of osteoarthritis patients.
Further research is needed to investigate the relationship between pain interference and pain intensity in osteoarthritis patients.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

The sample size was small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the applicability of the findings to other settings.
The study did not investigate the relationship between pain interference and pain intensity in other types of arthritis.

Future Research Directions

Future research should investigate the relationship between pain interference and pain intensity in other types of arthritis. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing pain interference and improving overall quality of life in osteoarthritis patients.

Q: What is the main complaint experienced by osteoarthritis patients?

A: The main complaint experienced by osteoarthritis patients is pain, which significantly affects their quality of life.

Q: What is pain interference, and how does it affect osteoarthritis patients?

A: Pain interference refers to the impact of pain on various aspects of daily life, including daily activities, moods, social relations, and overall well-being. It affects osteoarthritis patients by limiting their ability to perform daily activities, affecting their mood, and impacting their social relationships.

Q: What is the relationship between pain interference and pain intensity in osteoarthritis patients?

A: The study found a significant and strong positive correlation between pain interference and pain intensity in osteoarthritis patients. This means that individuals experiencing high levels of pain interference tend to have higher pain intensity levels, and vice versa.

Q: What are the implications of this study for nursing practice?

A: The study highlights the importance of understanding pain interference in nursing practices. Nurses are expected to be more sensitive to the various aspects of pain interference and provide care that addresses these needs. By reducing pain interference, nurses can improve the overall quality of life of osteoarthritis patients.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a small sample size, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. The study was also conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the applicability of the findings to other settings.

Q: What are the recommendations for future research?

A: Future research should investigate the relationship between pain interference and pain intensity in other types of arthritis. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing pain interference and improving overall quality of life in osteoarthritis patients.

Q: What can nurses do to improve the quality of life of osteoarthritis patients?

A: Nurses can improve the quality of life of osteoarthritis patients by being more sensitive to the various aspects of pain interference and providing care that addresses these needs. This includes reducing pain interference, improving daily activities, and enhancing social relationships.

Q: How can healthcare providers improve pain management in osteoarthritis patients?

A: Healthcare providers can improve pain management in osteoarthritis patients by focusing on reducing pain interference and improving overall quality of life. This includes providing holistic care that addresses the needs of osteoarthritis patients, including pain management, daily activities, and social relationships.

Q: What are the benefits of reducing pain interference in osteoarthritis patients?

A: Reducing pain interference in osteoarthritis patients can improve their overall quality of life by enabling them to return to their activities more comfortably, improving their social interaction, and enhancing their overall well-being.

Q: How can patients with osteoarthritis manage their pain and improve their quality of life?

A: Patients with osteoarthritis can manage their pain and improve their quality of life by working with their healthcare providers to develop a pain management plan that addresses their specific needs. This includes reducing pain interference, improving daily activities, and enhancing social relationships.

Q: What are the long-term implications of this study for osteoarthritis patients?

A: The long-term implications of this study for osteoarthritis patients are significant. By understanding the relationship between pain interference and pain intensity, healthcare providers can develop more effective pain management plans that improve the overall quality of life of osteoarthritis patients.