Knowledge of healthcare professionals about nonpharmacological pain management in the neonate in a Brazilian rooming-in: a survey study with factor analysis

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neonatal pain management is considered one of the eight principles of neonatal care. This study aims to investigate the construct reflecting neonatal non-pharmacological pain management, in a Brazilian rooming-in unit, and identify the preferred intervention. METHODS: This survey study included 47 health professionals assessed through an in-person questionnaire. Factor analysis was conducted with a rotation using the Varimax method. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.78. RESULTS: The construct comprised three factors in the following order: 1) knowledge and impact of neonatal pain on parents, 2) the benefits of pain treatment, and 3) non-pharmacological interventions. Breastfeeding is part of the first factor, revealing its particular importance. The reduction of luminosity is part of the second factor. Non-nutritive sucking with sweet solution, kangaroo position, and music therapy are part of the third factor. CONCLUSION: The construct observed in this rooming-in identified three factors and suggests that breastfeeding is the preferred intervention to implement for non-pharmacological pain management in the neonate.

Keywords

• breastfeeding
• factor analysis
• newborn
• pain
• pain management