Global perspectives on pediatric pain management: analysis of attitudes, beliefs and knowledge in healthcare professionals, a multicenter study

Abstract

Introduction Pediatric pain remains insufficiently assessed and managed worldwide, despite advances in pain science and clinical guidelines. Health professionals' attitudes, beliefs, and level of training play a crucial role in the quality of pain management provided to children.Objectives To analyze the relationship between attitudes and beliefs toward pediatric pain and the level of knowledge and training among health sciences students and professionals participating in an international educational project.Methods A multicenter, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted within the framework of the HUPEDCARE project. A total of 2,807 participants from Europe, America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania completed the validated HUPEDCARE-Q questionnaire. The instrument assessed attitudes, beliefs, knowledge and training, and clinical practices related to pediatric pain. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses were performed.Results Participants showed moderate levels of knowledge regarding pediatric pain management (mean = 3.55 +/- 0.73). Misconceptions persisted, particularly regarding opioid use and the interpretation of physiological indicators of pain. A significant positive correlation was found between attitudes and knowledge (r = 0.060; p = 0.001). Regression analysis showed that recognizing pain as a biopsychosocial experience and valuing non-pharmacological interventions were significant predictors of higher knowledge levels.Discussion Despite increased awareness of pediatric pain as a multidimensional experience, relevant gaps in education and persistent misconceptions remain. Educational strategies addressing attitudes, beliefs, and clinical competencies are urgently needed to improve pediatric pain management and promote humanized care.