Effect of Foot Reflexology on Relieving Labor Pain and Enhancing Satisfaction among Parturient Women

Mostafa Ahmed Gamel, Wafaa; Mohamed Tosson, Madiha; A., Yousif

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2022.222517

Effect of Foot Reflexology on Relieving Labor Pain and Enhancing Satisfaction among Parturient Women

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Lecturer of Maternal Health Nursing and Newborn, Faculty of Nursing, Damietta University, Egypt

² Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assuit University, Egypt

³ Assistant professor of Woman's Health and Midwifery Nursing Department, Faculty of nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

10.21608/ejhc.2022.222517

Abstract

Background: Labor pain management and interventions are important aspects of maternity
health care to ensure optimum outcomes for mothers and babies. Reflexology practice is significant
to reduce pain intensity, shorten the duration of labor and increase satisfaction. Aim: This study
aimed to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on relieving labor pain and enhancing satisfaction
among parturient women. Subject and Methods: Design: To achieve the study's aim a quasi-
experimental design was adopted. Setting: This study was conducted at Labor and Delivery Unit at
Mansoura University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 200 parturient women was recruited
in this study and they were selected and then randomly divided into two groups, the control group
included 100 parturient women and the study group included 100 parturient women. Four tools
were used to collect data: (1) structured interviewing questionnaire schedule, (2) Numeric Pain
Rating Scale (NPRS), (3) Level of satisfaction was measured using a five-point Likert scale, and (4)
Modified partograph. Results: There was no significant difference in mean pain scores between the
control and intervention groups at baseline (p>0.05). However, the differences in mean pain scores
between the control and intervention groups were highly statistically significant 30 minutes, 1 hour,
and 2 hours after the intervention. Conclusion: Foot reflexology is an effective non-
pharmacological method in relieving labor pain and enhancing satisfaction. Recommendation:
Foot
reflexology should be utilized by nurses as a non-pharmacological strategy to manage labor
pain
and enhance satisfaction among parturient women

Keywords