Effectiveness of Music Therapy in Reducing Pain and Anxiety among Primigravid Women during Active Phase of First Stage of Labor

Abstract

Pain of childbirth ranks among the most intense pain experiences. Literature suggests that primigravid women report more intense pain and anxiety requiring appropriate management. There are many non-pharmacologic measures to relieve labor pain and anxiety. Music therapy has found to be very effective in reducing labor pain and anxiety with no adverse effects, its use has been very limited. The objectives of the study were to assess the level of pain and anxiety of primigravid women in first stage of labor before administration of music therapy, to assess the effectiveness of music therapy in reducing pain and anxiety by comparing the pre and post test scores among primigravid women in labor and to assess the effectiveness of music therapy between the experimental group as compared to control group. The study was conducted on a sample of 60 (30 experimental and 30 control) primigravid women during active phase of first stage of labor who are admitted in labor room of K.L.E'S Dr. Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital Belgaum, using simple random sampling technique by envelope method. In the present study single-blind randomized control trial was chosen. Data was collected by using standardized visual analogue pain scale (VAS) and Zung'sself rating anxiety scale. The obtained data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study showed that music therapy is an effective, non invasive and cost effective non pharmacological measure among primigravid women in labor to reduce pain and anxiety, to increase coping ability and as a relaxation technique.