Background Chronic pain is a significant public health issue in Saudi Arabia, and its prevalence is consistent with global trends. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that is used to reduce the likelihood of traumatization and to encourage individuals to better engage with therapy. Currently, empirical data concerning the TIC competencies of nurses in the management of chronic pain in Saudi Arabia are lacking. Objectives This study aimed to: (1) assess nurses’ knowledge, opinions, competencies, barriers, and practices related to TIC across work settings, and (2) examine how these factors are associated with overall TIC competence in chronic pain management. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey distributed to nurses working in hospitals in the Jazan region. A total of 272 nurses were recruited using convenience sampling. We collected data using the TIC Provider Survey to evaluate nurses’ competencies, barriers, and experiences in TIC over five months. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate whether years of nursing practice experience were associated with nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, competencies, and practices related to TIC in chronic pain management. Results Significant differences were observed across work settings in knowledge, opinions, and competencies (all p < 0.001), but not in perceived barriers (p = 0.61). Nurses in mental health and operating room settings demonstrated higher competence than those in other units, whereas pediatric nurses reported the lowest scores. Regression analysis indicated that greater knowledge (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), more positive opinions (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), and fewer perceived barriers (β = 0.19, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of TIC competence, explaining 52% of the variance. Conclusions This study presents new evidence regarding the variability of TIC competencies among nurses in different work settings. The results highlight the significance of knowledge, opinions, and practices in determining TIC competence. Targeted training, incorporation of TIC into nursing curricula, and institutional support are crucial for advancing trauma-informed practices in chronic pain management and for improving patient-centered care outcomes.

Nurses’ competencies, barriers, and experience in trauma-informed care: a cross-sectional study

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2026年7月7日

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Amani A. Kappi

摘要

Background

Chronic pain is a significant public health issue in Saudi Arabia, and its prevalence is consistent with global trends. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach that is used to reduce the likelihood of traumatization and to encourage individuals to better engage with therapy. Currently, empirical data concerning the TIC competencies of nurses in the management of chronic pain in Saudi Arabia are lacking.

Objectives

This study aimed to: (1) assess nurses’ knowledge, opinions, competencies, barriers, and practices related to TIC across work settings, and (2) examine how these factors are associated with overall TIC competence in chronic pain management.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online survey distributed to nurses working in hospitals in the Jazan region. A total of 272 nurses were recruited using convenience sampling. We collected data using the TIC Provider Survey to evaluate nurses’ competencies, barriers, and experiences in TIC over five months. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate whether years of nursing practice experience were associated with nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, competencies, and practices related to TIC in chronic pain management.

Results

Significant differences were observed across work settings in knowledge, opinions, and competencies (all p < 0.001), but not in perceived barriers (p = 0.61). Nurses in mental health and operating room settings demonstrated higher competence than those in other units, whereas pediatric nurses reported the lowest scores. Regression analysis indicated that greater knowledge (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), more positive opinions (β = 0.28, p < 0.001), and fewer perceived barriers (β = 0.19, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of TIC competence, explaining 52% of the variance.

Conclusions

This study presents new evidence regarding the variability of TIC competencies among nurses in different work settings. The results highlight the significance of knowledge, opinions, and practices in determining TIC competence. Targeted training, incorporation of TIC into nursing curricula, and institutional support are crucial for advancing trauma-informed practices in chronic pain management and for improving patient-centered care outcomes.