Women’s knowledge about non-pharmacological methods of pain relief in labor: a cross-sectional study

A. Doris Lily; Soni Chauhan; Hema Joshi; Prahlad Khatik; Sushil Kumar Sharma; Sonia; Kaushal Nagar; Mamta Singh; Surya Kant Tiwari; Narendra Pal Singh Choudhary

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20260671

Authors

A. Doris Lily College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
Soni Chauhan Yatharth Nursing College and Paramedical Institute, Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh, India
Hema Joshi College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
Prahlad Khatik College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
Sushil Kumar Sharma College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
Sonia College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
Kaushal Nagar College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
Mamta Singh College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India
Surya Kant Tiwari College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4718-0398
Narendra Pal Singh Choudhary College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20260671

Keywords:

Analgesics, Educational status, Labor pain, Midwifery, Pain management, Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Labor pain is a significant experience for primigravida women, and understanding nonpharmacological techniques for pain management is essential for enhancing their childbirth experience. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of primigravida women regarding non-pharmacological methods for managing labor pain.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center from October to November 2023. Using a non-probability purposive sampling technique, 100 primigravida women were recruited based on the inclusion criteria, which included the ability to read and understand Hindi or English. Data were collected using a 30-item structured multiple-choice questionnaire that assessed the knowledge of non-pharmacological pain management techniques. Knowledge scores were categorized as adequate (≥75% correct responses), moderate (50-74%), or inadequate (<50%).

Results: The findings revealed that 82% of respondents had inadequate knowledge, 18% had moderate knowledge, and none had adequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 39.53% (SD=2.75). Significant associations were found between knowledge levels and educational status (χ²=11.05, p<0.05) and previous knowledge of non-pharmacological techniques (χ²=18.74, p<0.01).

Conclusions: This study highlighted a substantial knowledge gap regarding non-pharmacological labor pain management among primigravida women. Educational interventions by healthcare providers, particularly nurses and midwives, are essential to improve awareness and understanding of these techniques, ultimately enhancing the childbirth experience for women.

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