Effect of an educational intervention program on pregnant women’s ability to cope with childbirth pain in Western Kenya

Abstract

INTRODUCTION                                   

Childbirth pain has remained a major challenge to women of child-bearing age over the years. Studies have shown that most women are not aware of the coping strategies to employ during childbirth. Severe childbirth pain can lead to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, it is imperative to develop safe and innovative methods to cope with childbirth pain. The study aimed to investigate the effects of an educational program on women's ability to cope with childbirth pain in the context of lower and middle-income countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS                   

 A Quasi-experimental design was used to assess the impact of an educational intervention built on self-efficacy theory. Pregnant mothers were recruited at antenatal care services and were assigned to either the control group or the intervention group. The intervention group received two sessions of 2 hours each of the intervention between the 32^nd– 35^th weeks of gestation. Follow-up and evaluation on outcome measures were conducted within 48 hours after delivery. The strength of pain was measured by the visual analogue pain scale and the Mac-Gill pain questionnaire.

RESULTS                                             

Findings indicate that relative to the control group, the intervention group was significantly more likely to demonstrate lower perceived pain both on the visual analogue scale (P<0.001) and the McGill pain questionnaire (P<0.001). Further analysis revealed that the non-intervention group had increased severe pain [OR=3.099,95% CI (1.080-8.887), P=0.035], unbearable pain [OR=27.930,95% CI (9.354-83.399), P=<0001], while permanent employment reduced unbearable pain [OR=0.038 95% CI (0.003-0.549), P=0.016].

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS   

 The educational intervention program was effective in decreasing pain intensity and severity during childbirth. Training programs should be integrated into the antenatal care program and offered to mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy to enhance women's coping skills during childbirth.