Exploring influencing factors of postoperative pain in school-age children undergoing elective surgery

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the influencing factors of postoperative pain among children undergoing elective surgery. Design and Methods. A survey was conducted in 2011 with a convenience sample of 66 children, 6 to 14 years old, in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Results. Children experienced moderate preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain. Gender, preoperative anxiety, and negative emotional behaviors were significant influencing factors for postoperative pain. Boys reported less postoperative pain than girls. Practice Implications. Effective strategies for assessing and managing children's preoperative anxiety are needed to achieve an optimal postoperative pain management outcome.