A survey of nursing students' knowledge of cancer pain control

The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 3.5 million people suffer daily from cancer pain. Recently, a Midwestern state was named by the World Health Organization to lead worldwide efforts in controlling the pain experienced by cancer patients. As part of this effort, the Nursing Education Committee conducted a statewide study of first year and final year nursing students from 19 nursing programs. The purpose of this study was to determine nursing students' perceptions and knowledge about cancer pain control. After the deans and directors of the nursing programs were contacted to obtain their agreement to participate, questionnaires composed of 26 items were mailed to each nursing school and distributed to students. Nine hundred thirty-eight questionnaires were returned to the researchers, realizing a 40% return rate. Data analysis reflects poor knowledge about the prevalence of cancer pain and its management. Using the student's t-test, significant differences between the scores of first year and last year students were found with last year students achieving higher mean scores. It was concluded that more information about how to manage cancer pain needs to be provided in nursing curricula. It is recommended that faculty members frequently update their knowledge and skills about cancer pain management.