• M F Khan, O B Omole, and G J O Marincowitz.
• Department of Health, Mpumalanga, Province.
• Trop Doct. 2009 Oct 1; 39 (4): 217-21.

AbstractThe under-treatment of postoperative pain is prevalent worldwide. This cross-sectional study examined general practitioners' (GPs) knowledge and practices regarding postoperative analgesia in Caesarean deliveries. Postoperative analgesia was said to ensure that patients were pain-free (38.7%), achieved early mobilization (19.4%) and enabled early breast feeding (16%). Pethidine was the opioid of choice; normally prescribed eight hourly (69%) and was combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) by 48.6% of doctors and used solely by 51.6%. The prescription of analgesics was mainly influenced by drug availability (45.2%) and potency (19.4%). Most doctors (93.5%) had never attended a pain management course or used pain scores. Doctors at level 1 hospitals were less likely to use pethidine in combination with NSAID (odds ratio: 0.11; confidence interval: 0.02-0.59) compared to those in the specialized hospital. The GPs recognized the importance of postoperative analgesia, but their practices made patients vulnerable to pain after caesarean section.

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