Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors influencing the prevalence of poorly controlled
postoperative pain among surgical patients at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Hoima
District Uganda. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive design and analyzed data
using SPSS version 20. The results showed that the prevalence of pain was high,
particularly in the first 12-hour postoperative period. Moderate to worst pain was reported among 95.6% of patients at 12 hours, 32.4% at 24 hours, and only 5% at 48 hours. About 64% of patients were pain-free at 48%. The study recommended more effective analgesic/anaesthetic measures in the perioperative period to prevent the progression to persistent pain. Male sex was found to be a predictor of pain management satisfaction. The study also suggested that local anaesthetics and nonopioid analgesics could be beneficial as preventive interventions. Although clinical findings are inconsistent, some studies suggest potential benefits as preventive interventions