Nurses Perception and Barriers toward Pain Management at Oncology Units

Abstract

Objective: To determine the perceived barriers to effective pain management in oncology units and to find out the relationship between nurses’ sociodemographic and professional characteristic and their perceptions and barriers toward pain management

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Middle Euphrates Health Institutions in the Governorates of Babylon, Karbala and Najaf, from 1st September 2025 to 28th February 2026.

Methodology: 200 participants were enrolled.

Results: Sociocultural beliefs were the most notable perceived barriers. The belief that a patient's level of pain is a reflection of their underlying health condition and the course of their disease was the most highly rated barrier
(63%), followed by the belief that suffering is a test from Allah (55.5%).

Conclusion: A moderate level of perceive barriers, the relationship between nurses’ sociodemographic and professional characteristics and perceived barriers toward pain management.