Knowledge of pregnant women regarding non-pharmacological methods of pain relief available during labour in Tshwane District hospitals

Abstract

Introduction: The ability of women to cope with labour pain is influenced by how knowledgeable they are about different types of pain relief methods. The most important identified method in coping with labour pain and stress is non-pharmacological pain relief. Still, it is scarcely used and rarely offered to pregnant women in labour wards. With the gap identified, the study determined the knowledge of pregnant women regarding available non-pharmacological pain relief methods during labour. Research design and methods: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive method was used in this study. The study was conducted in four district public hospitals in Tshwane. Stratified random sampling was used to select 384 pregnant women. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. SPSS version 28 was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics including Frequency distribution tables and figures were used to present the results. Results: The majority of respondents who participated in the study were pregnant women aged between 31 and 35 years with two or more pregnancies. The study results showed that 52.1% (n=200) of pregnant women lack knowledge regarding non-pharmacological pain relief methods, while a minority of 26.3% (n=101) had some knowledge about them. Approximately 19% (n=73) were uncertain about these methods, and 2.6% (n=10) did not comment. The mentioned non-pharmacological methods include massage, breathing techniques and walking/mobility. In terms of the effectiveness of Antenatal education on pain relief methods, most of the respondents, 60% (n=232), stated that they had never received education about the various types of methods available to manage pain during labour during Antenatal Care (ANC). In comparison, 34% (n=131) agreed they had received such education, and 6% (n=21) decided not to comment. Furthermore, the study findings revealed a significant association was found (p=0.032), between age, education, parity and knowledge regarding non-pharmacological pain relief. Conclusions: The study findings confirmed that most pregnant women attending antenatal care at provincial district hospitals are not prepared for labour pain. Pregnant women are not knowledgeable about different non-pharmacological pain relief methods available during labour. Again, Antenatal care is not utilised effectively in preparing women for labour pain. Our study supports the establishment of in-service training for healthcare professionals (including midwives) on the different non-pharmacological pain relief methods as they are associated with positive birth outcomes and childbirth experiences.