INFLUENCE OF PAIN PERCEPTION ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ORTHOPAEDIC PATIENTS AT 44 NIGERIAN ARMY REFERENCE HOSPITAL KADUNA

Abstract

Orthopaedic patients often face significant challenges not only due to the physical limitations caused by their injuries or conditions but also due to the psychological and emotional impact of pain and recovery. This study explores the influence of pain perception on the quality of life of orthopaedic patients at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna. A total of 150 orthopaedic patients at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospitals in Kaduna were selected through purposive sampling as participants, and a questionnaire comprising two scales, namely, The Pain Belief Questionnaire (PBQ) and The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF scale) were used to collect data. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 27. The result from the hypothesis indicates a correlation analysis revealed that pain perception demonstrated a significant negative correlation with Psychological Health (r=−.230, p=.004), further highlighting the link between lower psychological health and higher pain perception but a negative correlation with Environmental Wellbeing (r=−.247, p=.002), suggesting that while greater functional impact is associated with stronger social ties, it may also be linked to lower perceptions of environmental wellbeing. Environmental Wellbeing was positively associated with Social Relationships (r=.247, p=.002) but did not significantly correlate with other variables. It was concluded and recommended that there is a significant influence of pain perception and resilience on quality of life among orthopaedic patients at 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna. Healthcare providers at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Kaduna should prioritize addressing and managing pain perception effectively among orthopaedic patients.