Pain Assessment Practices Among Nurses in the Paediatric Ward of Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Background: Effective pain assessment is a prerequisite for adequate pain management in paediatric patients, yet evidence suggests widespread inconsistencies in nursing assessment practices in Nigerian hospitals. Aim: This study evaluated pain assessment practices among nurses caring for paediatric patients at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, South West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive survey design was used. Ninety registered nurses in the paediatric unit were selected through total enumeration. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire containing validated items from the Nurses' Knowledge and Attitudes Survey Regarding Pain. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Only 49% of nurses routinely used a standardised pain assessment tool, with the majority relying on behavioural cues and parental reports. Knowledge gaps were most pronounced regarding age-appropriate scale selection and documentation standards. Ward experience and prior pain management training were positively associated with practice quality. Conclusion: Inconsistent use of validated pain assessment tools reflects training deficiencies and inadequate institutional protocols. The study recommends mandatory training on paediatric pain tools, introduction of age-specific assessment policies, and nursing audit mechanisms in Nigerian paediatric care settings. Keywords: pain assessment, paediatric nursing, nurses, Lagos, pain management.