Effect of Two Different Nursing Techniques on Labor pain, Duration, and Anxiety Level among Primiparous Women

Abstract

Background: Labor pain is considered as one of the most intense forms of pain. Psychological challenge such as anxiety can contribute towards women's perception of pain and may affect their labor and birth experience. Aromatherapy is one of modern many non-invasive methods and is the most popular complementary therapy to relieve pain during childbirth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different nursing techniques on labor pain, duration, and anxiety level among primiparous women. A Quasi-experimental design was utilized to achieve the aim of the study, conducted at labor and delivery unit at Shaqra Governate general hospital, KSA. Sample: A total of 150 laboring women were recruited (75 for each group). Tools: four tools were used; 1) A structured interviewing questionnaire schedule, 2) Subjective labor pain scale (visual-analogue scale [VAS]), 3)-Partograph and 4)-Spielberger state-trait anxiety questionnaire. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in labor pain scores at active phase after the intervention at (p<0.001), and in transitional phase after the intervention at (p = 0.06). There was significant difference toward total labor duration among studied sample. Nearly half (49.3%) of the lavender group were satisfied and referenced it for future pregnancies. Conclusion: Two different nursing techniques were effective methods for reducing pain intensity, duration of labor and anxiety level. It can be clinically recommended as an alternative, safe and affordable method of pain relief during labor. However, lavender aromatherapy is more effective in decreasing pain during labor, and anxiety than breathing technique. Recommendations Educational program facilities and methods about non-pharmacological methods as; lectures, handout, and videos should be developed and become accessible to all pregnant women in the outpatient clinics.