Abstract

Background: Pain is a common presenting complain in general practice and constitutes a major proportion of outpatient visits. This study aimed to assess clinical medical students' knowledge and awareness regarding pain concepts at King Abdulaziz University (KAU).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire administered through an online survey form among medical students of KAU. The questionnaire contained baseline characteristics of students and open and closed-ended items related to awareness and knowledge regarding pain concepts.
Results: The study showed that 63.8% of medical students reported attending lectures on pain management, and among those, 55.6% received that within the medical curricula. It was found that 19.2% reported that they educated patients suffering from acute/chronic pain. Only 17% students demonstrated good knowledge regarding pain concepts. The knowledge level of the students showed a significant relationship with grade point average and clinical interest of the students (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a deficiency in knowledge and exposure regarding pain concepts and their management. Undergraduate medical curricula should be reassessed in that aspect to provide adequate training in pain management.

Key words: Awareness, knowledge, pain concepts, pain management, medical students