Evaluation of the effect of selecting gluteal injection site on the pain injection based on anthropometric indices and body shape pattern: A randomised controlled trial study

Abstract

Aims and Objectives This study was aimed at comparing the effect of injection site selection based on anthropometric indices and body shape pattern on pain injection. Background Pain is one of the common complications of intramuscular injection. Selecting the right place for gluteal injection is one of the challenges of nursing which can increase the safety and success of the injection and thereby reduce the pain severity caused by it. Design Open‐label randomized controlled trial study. Methods In this study, 162 eligible subjects referred to the emergency unit of Vasei Hospital of Sabzevar, Iran were randomly assigned to three groups of control, anthropometric indices and body shape pattern. Subjects in the control group received dorsogluteal injection (traditional way). In the anthropometric group, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and anterior superior iliac spine to iliac tubercle (ASIS‐IT), and in body shape pattern group, observed body shape indices (OBS), BMI and sex were used to select the gluteal injection site. Pain injection was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The CONSORT checklist was used. Results The mean age of the participant was 39.43 ± 13.16 and 43.21% (n = 70) were male. Based on multiple linear regression analysis, the mean pain injection was substantially lower in body shape pattern as compared to the control group (r2: .26; bxy = −0.41; 95% CI: −0.81, −0.01; p = .043). The mean pain injection was significantly greater in the left leg injection than right one (r2: .26; bxy = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.81; p = .021). Conclusions Findings of this study suggest that the selection of a gluteal injection site based on body shape pattern in comparison with traditional dorsogluteal injection method has a significant effect on pain injection relief. Relevance to clinical practice Nurses can choose the appropriate gluteal injection site based on the body shape pattern to reduce the pain of the intramuscular (IM) gluteal injections.

The Effect of Structured Education on Nurses’ Ventrogluteal Injection Knowledge and Skills

“…It was concluded that these initiatives provide positive results in increasing the effectiveness of education. In the literature, there are some studies about nurses' choices of site for IM injection (8,9,10,22), pain control (23) and needle length to be used (6), whereas studies examining skill levels are limited (16,24). In this study, the skill levels of the nurses were objectively observed and evaluated.…”

Adverse effects of dorsogluteal intramuscular injection versus ventrogluteal intramuscular injection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Probably, the most common complication related to injections is pain (Sahebkar et al, 2021). Penetration of the skin by the needle, mechanical and chemical effects of the drug and physical characteristics of the patient are non‐modifiable pain risk factors.…”

“…A detailed analysis of the literature did not reflect a unanimous view in dorso vs ventro debate. Some authors argument that when accurately identified, an injection into the DS carries no greater risk (Larkin et al, 2018; Sahebkar et al, 2021). The safety of the ventrogluteal site has also generated doubts.…”

Cabotegravir + Rilpivirine Long-Acting: Overview of Injection Guidance, Injection Site Reactions, and Best Practices for Intramuscular Injection Administration

“…There are 5 potential IM injection sites: deltoid (commonly used for adult vaccinations), dorsogluteal (upper outer quadrant), ventrogluteal (side of the hip), and rectus femoris and vastus lateralis (thigh) [ 5 ]. Selecting the optimal location for gluteal injection is important to ensure the safety and success of the injection and to minimize pain [ 6 ]. Although preference for the dorsogluteal site has been reported, the ventrogluteal region is safer for IM injection as the site is free of major nerves and blood vessels, with subcutaneous adipose tissue thin enough to reach target muscles [ 5 , 7–9 ].…”