Predictors of Pain During Nasopharyngeal Swab among Covid-19 Suspected Cases in Central Malacca, Malaysia

Main Article Content

Nor Afiah Mohd Zulkefli
Fatin Ismail
Mohd Hafiz Idlan Radzali

Abstract

Introduction: Nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) is the screening tool for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is a painful procedure that leads people to refuse it. Since there was no pain evaluation conducted, this study is to examine the pain prevalence and its predictors during NPS among COVID-19 suspected cases at Central Malacca drive-through screening centre. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 screened respondents, selected through simple random sampling in May 2021. The pain category was divided into clinically significant pain (CSP) and Non-CSP using the Ministry of Health Pain Scale. Independent variables were the socio demographic factors, frequency of NPS, operators’ experience score and swab tip type. Data was collected using validated, self-administered Google form questionnaire, blasted via WhatsApp and the analysis was done using IBM SPSS software version 26. Results: The response rate was 86.4% with 53.5% reported having CSP. Binary Logistic Regression revealed frequent NPS procedures (OR= 1.18, 95% CI 1.01-1.38, p=0.040) and the nylon-flocked swab tip (OR= 2.08, 95% CI 1.24-3.49, p=0.006) have higher odds of CSP. Operator with more experience score is less likely to cause CSP to respondents (OR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, p <0.048). The predictors of CSP during NPS among COVID-19 suspected cases are of higher frequency of NPS and nylon-flocked swab tip. Increase operators’ experience score is the protective factor for CSP. Conclusion: The painless saliva self-testing modality screening for COVID-19 is highly recommended. 

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How to Cite
Mohd Zulkefli, N. A., Ismail, F., & Radzali, M. H. I. (2024). Predictors of Pain During Nasopharyngeal Swab among Covid-19 Suspected Cases in Central Malacca, Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 20(4), 32–41. https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs20.4.5
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Original Articles

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