Patient-Reported Levels of Satisfaction in Pain Management With Non-Pharmacological Measures During Pregnancy: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract – Objective: – To analyze factors influencing satisfaction in pregnant women during labor as patients and the relationship of the level of satisfaction with pain management through transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Methods: – A randomized and double-blind controlled trial was conducted. All participants completed the satisfaction scale immediately after childbirth. A total of 63 participants were randomly assigned to one TENS device to relieve the pain, with a different dose in each group. Patients’ responses were measured with 2 scales; the satisfaction level was measured with the Care in Obstetrics: Measure for Testing Satisfaction scale, and pain was measured with the visual analogue scale. Results: – A total of 63 women were randomized into three groups: Active TENS (n = 21), Placebo TENS (n = 21), and Control (n = 21). Baseline characteristics, including maternal age, parity, body mass index, and gestational age, showed no significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). The active TENS group showed significantly greater pain relief, with a mean visual analogue scale score reduction of (3.3 ± 1.2) compared to (1.1 ± 0.9) in the placebo group and (0.8 ± 0.7) in the Control group (P < 0.001). Maternal satisfaction scores were also highest in the Active TENS group (median 8.0, interquatile range (IQR): 7.0–9.0) compared to Placebo (median 6.0, IQR: 5.0–7.0) and Control (median 5.0, IQR: 4.0–6.0) groups (P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression indicated that only the type of TENS used was significantly associated with maternal satisfaction (β = 0.42, P = 0.007). Other variables, including parity, BMI, perceived support, and baseline pain severity, were not statistically significant predictors (P > 0.05). Conclusion: – Overall, a high level of satisfaction with care during the labor process was obtained; we recommend the use of TENS for pain relief to improve general satisfaction. Registration: – ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03137251