Association Between Behavioral Responses and Burn Pain Intensity

Abstract

Background: Few studies have assessed the association between behavioral responses and burn pain intensity. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the afore mentioned association in an Iranian adult population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 100 eligible burn patients referring to one of the referral teaching hospitals in the north-west of Iran. A numerical rating scale was used to assess pain intensity during dressing change (procedural pain) and rest time (background pain). A self-administered validated and reliable questionnaire was used to determine behavioral responses. Results: The mean pain intensity related to dressing change was 8.5 +/- 1.8 and the mean pain intensity during rest time was 5.6 +/- 2.0. The most frequent behavioral responses to procedural pain (at dressing change) were grimacing (% 93), moaning (% 71) and restlessness (% 52). The most frequent behavioral responses at the rest time was silence (% 95), refusing to move (82%), and protecting the painful area (73%). The behavioral responses including moving away from painful stimuli, moaning, crying, grimacing, restlessness, protesting, and being silent were found to be significantly associated with burn pain intensity at the dressing change time (P < 0.05). In addition, refusing to move seemed to be the only behavioral response associated with burn pain intensity at rest (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Burn patients experience severe and mild to moderate pain at the time of dressing change and during rest, respectively. Accurate multidisciplinary care plan including pain assessment scales and responses to pain is offered to provide effective treatment and care.