Understanding Experiences of Young Adult Males with Below-Knee Amputation

@#PURPOSE: This study was done to explore the experiences of young adult males with below-knee amputation at surgical wards and clinics in Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. DESIGN: The study used the phenomenology design of qualitative research. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted for data collection using a theme list with a saturation point reached at 16 participants. The duration of an interview was 30-45 minutes and was recorded on audiotape and transcribed later. Phases of familiarization with the data, coding, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and writing up were conducted accordingly to thematic analysis. FINDINGS: The young adult male below-knee amputees showed changes in lifestyle with dependence on others, supporting aids, and experiencing discomfort. They showed mental distress with dissatisfaction with life and suffering of life. Additionally, they lacked power with identity changes and encounter economic problems in their lives. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: It is essential to give special education to the staff caring for the below-knee amputees to minimize their unpleasant and challenging experiences. Health staff can motivate family members and friends for individuals' mental adjustment to their new life. Additionally, the social attitude of the community should be changed positively regarding amputated patients.

Nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding postoperative pain management in Sri Lanka

@#PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding post-operative pain management among nurses working in the surgical units in Kandy, Sri Lanka. DESIGN: The study was based on quantitative method, specifically descriptive design. Samples were selected using the probability sampling technique of simple random sampling. The sample size obtained was 200 nurses using 95% confidence level and a 4% margin of error for a population of 300 nurses in the research setting. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was chosen as a data collection method, and this questionnaire contained 36 questions under four sub-topics. A box was kept in the matron office in the surgical section to collect the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis with percentages. FINDINGS: According to the research findings, 66% (132) were knowledgeable about the meaning of post-operative pain management. Post-operative pain management was identified by 74% (148) of the respondents, and 26% (52) correctly indicated that the most accurate judge of post-operative pain is the patients' self-report. When considering the attitudes, 66% (132) of the participants agreed that post-operative patients show discomfort before receiving the next analgesics. Among the participants, 60% (120) of nurses worried that patients would become addicted to analgesics that they give, while 20% (40) disagreed, and 2% strongly disagreed. 54% (108) of the nurses stated that patients were kept under close observation and the pain was monitored regularly, while 46% (92) expressed that patient is kept in a comfortable position. To manage post-operative pain, 80% (160) used non-pharmacological methods while 20% (40) did not. CONSLUSIONS: The findings of this study identified problems such as inadequate knowledge, and inappropriate attitudes and practices regarding postoperative pain management.