Effect of Foot Reflexology on Post-Cesarean Pain

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Effect of Foot Reflexology on Post-Cesarean Pain

Journal Title: IOSR Journal of Nursing and health Science - Year 2018, Vol 7, Issue 4

Abstract

Background: With the dramatic rise in the rate of cesarean deliveries in the last two decades, postoperative pain management of these mothers has become a major nursing challenge. Although advances have been made in the understanding of pathophysiology of pain and development of new analgesics and delivery techniques, many women still suffer from moderate to severe post-cesarean pain. Reflexology is one of the used nonpharmacological therapies in pain practice but its effect on post-cesarean pain still under investigated in obstetric nursing practice. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on postcesarean pain. To fulfill the study aim a quasi experimental research design was used. Hypothesis: Mothers who receive foot reflexology (independent variable) show decreased post-cesarean pain intensity (dependent variable) than who do not receive the intervention. Setting: The study was conducted at the postnatal cesarean ward of El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital in Alexandria Governorate. Subjects: The study Subjects were selected by using the non probability sampling technique where a purposive sample of 70 post cesarean section women were recruited according to inclusion criteria. The study subjects were equally assigned to one of two groups: a control and experimental group. Each group comprised 35 women. Tools of the study: Three tools were used for data collection. Socio-demographic & clinical profile structured interview schedules, Johansson Pain-0- Meter Scale (JPOM) and a modified version of Chamber Price pain rating scale (CPPRS) Finding: Reflexology after cesarean section appears to have a remarkable effect on post-cesarean pain quality as measured by JP0MS i.e. affective and sensory pain responses (as reflected by Pain – rating Index rank) were significantly lowered after intervention. Reflexology after cesarean section was likely to have an outstanding decline in intensity of post-cesarean pain as measured by CPPRS. i.e. behavioral manifestation or responses to post-cesarean pain significantly decreased among women after application. Based on the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that foot reflexology can be a cost effective independent nursing intervention and a new useful safe method that can be used to decrease post-cesarean pain which in turn will improve the quality of women’s post-cesarean experience. Thus, it can be encouraged as a beneficial non-medical approach in obstetric practice. Recommendations are suggested; reflexology should be advocated as a non-pharmacological approach for management of post-cesarean pain and it should be recommended in hospital protocols with enough training should be disseminated for obstetric nurses and midwifes to utilize the reflexology for obstetric indications, since it is non-invasive, efficient and easy to use. Further researches are recommended where replication of the current study on a larger population size and different settings for the purpose of better generalization. And assessment of women's satisfaction with the use of non-pharmacological techniques for management of postcesarean pain, especially reflexology

Authors and Affiliations

Niven R. Basyouni, Isis E. Gohar, Naglaa F. Zaied

Keywords

Foot reflexology Cesarean pain non- pharmacological methods of pain relieve

EP ID EP436443
DOI 10.9790/1959-0704060119.
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