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Convergent validity of pain measuring tools among Nigerian children
O R Eyelade1, R E Oladokun, A A Fatiregun
1Department of Anaesthesia, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. dryinka@yahoo.com
Insights
This study validated four pain scales (Oucher, Observer Pain Scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)) for use in Nigerian children. Results confirm VAS, NRS, and Oucher are reliable and valid tools for pediatric pain assessment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pain Management
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Assessing pain in children is crucial for effective management.
- Validated pain assessment tools are essential, especially in diverse pediatric populations.
- Previous research has not comprehensively evaluated multiple pain scales in Nigerian children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the convergent validity of the Oucher, Observer Pain Scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) in Nigerian children.
- To assess the reliability and validity of these pain scales for pediatric use in a Nigerian context.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study conducted at a Children Outpatient Clinic in Ibadan, Nigeria.
- Recruited 179 children aged 6 months to 12 years undergoing venepuncture or phlebotomy.
- Pain was assessed using Oucher, Observer Pain Scale, VAS, and NRS by a trained research assistant at baseline, during, and after the procedure.
Main Results:
- The median pain scores during the procedure were 4 (Observer Pain Scale), 5 (Oucher), and 4 (VAS and NRS).
- The average measure intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) indicated good reliability for Oucher, VAS, and NRS (0.63-0.73).
- 72% of children reported a pain score of at least 4 during the procedure.
Conclusions:
- The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Oucher pain scales are reliable and valid tools for assessing pain in Nigerian children.
- These validated scales can be effectively utilized in clinical settings for pediatric pain management in Nigeria.
- The study provides evidence supporting the use of these specific pain assessment tools in this population.
Abstract:
This prospective study was carried out at the Children Outpatient Clinic of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria. The study aims to determine the convergent validity of the Oucher, Observer Pain Scale, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) among Nigerian children. Children aged between 6 months and 12 years who required venepuncture or phlebotomy for various investigative procedures were recruited. Demographic data and pain assessment scores were documented on a data collection form. Pain was assessed by a trained research assistant at baseline, during the procedure and immediately after the procedure using the 4 pain scales. The mean age (+/- SD) of the children was 5.5 +/- 4.3 years, boys accounted for 93 (52%) and girls 86 (48%). Pain score ranged from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain) during the procedure; 72% (125) of the children had a pain score of at least 4. The median pain score during the procedure were 4 (Observer Pain Scale), 5 (Oucher) and 4 (VAS and NRS).The average measure intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) showed that the Oucher, the VAS and the NRS pain scales are reliable pain measuring tools with an ICC of 0.63-0.69 at baseline and 0.72 - 0.73 during the procedure. The VAS, NRS and Oucher pain scales are valid pain tools that can be used to assess pain in Nigerian children.
