Original Research Article
Year: 2020 | Month: February | Volume: 10 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 78-88
Effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Application on Pain and Behavioural Responses of Primigravid Women during the First Stage of Labour in a Selected Hospital at Mangalore
Lilly.C.D (Sr. Teena Davis)
Vice Principal, St. James College of Nursing, Chalakudy PO; Near Rever Bank. Kerala.
ABSTRACT
Background: Childbearing is a creative process is a challenge that may place the body at risk. The pregnant woman undergoes tremendous hormonal and physical changes prior to birth. That leads to severe pain and discomfort. Labour pain and method to relieve it are major concerns of childbearing women and their families. Various pain relieving measures are available. The National Birthday Trust Survey was conducted in the UK suggested that Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) can be used for labour pain management.
Material & Methods: A quasi experimental research (pre-test – post-test control group design) was used for this study. The sample consisted of 60 full-term primigravid women in a selected hospital at Mangalore, l were randomly assigned to experimental group and control group (N = 30 + 30 = 60). Tools used were structured observational checklist and visual analogue scale.
Results: There was no significant difference in the pre-test behaviour response scores of primigravid women in both groups (t58 = 0.66, p > 0.05) whereas significant difference was found in the pre-test and post-test behavioural responses scores of primigravid women in the experimental group (t29 = 20.46, p < 0.05).
Friedman’s test computed showed significant difference among area-wise behaviour responses score of primigravid women in both groups (c2 = 43.12, p < 0.05; c2 = 40.73, p < 0.05).
There was no correlation between the degree of pain and behavioural responses pre-test score of primigravid women between the groups (r = 0.15, p > 0.05; r=0.13, p > 0.05).
There was significant difference in the experimental group among the pre-test and post-test score of the degree of pain (t29 = 10.14, p < 0.05).
There was association between age and behavioural responses score of primigravid women in the experimental group (c2(3.84) = 5.208, p < 0.05) at 1 df.
Interpretation
The result shows that TENS is an effective non-pharmacological method for pain relieving during first stage of labour.
Conclusion: TENS is a simple, non-invasive, non-pharmacological, cost-effective alternative method that can be used in labour without any adverse effect on the mother and newborn.
Key words: TENS; full-term primigravid women; degree of pain; behavioural responses.