RESUMO
Background: Intramuscular injection is one of the most important routes for medication
Purpose: This randomized cross-over controlled clinical trial was conducted to compare the severity of pain following intramuscular injection by Z and routine methods in patients at selected clinics in Tehran
Method: A Convenient sample of 90 men and women between 18 - 58 years old were selected. Subjects were randomly assigned to groups A and B. A demographic questionnaire, Mc Gill pain scale, and a numerical scale for seepage of drugs and blood were used to collect data. Patients were instructed to identify their pain by the 10-point McGill scale and the seepage of drug as well as blood was observed by the researchers and measured according to the numerical scale. The patients received a single injection of 1ml gentamycin in each method at a 30-minute interval
Results: It was found that there was no significant differene between the two methods in severity of pain and seepage [P>0.05]. Drug seepage in Z method was 0.19 - 0.39cc and in routine method, 0.31 - 0.51cc. There was no significant correlation between the body mass index of participants and pain severity or seepage in each method [P>0.05]
Conclusion: There was no significant difference in pain following the Z and routine methods. However, due to slightly less drug seepage in Z method, it is recommended