EFFICACY OF LOWER BACK MASSAGE FOR IMPROVEMENT OF LABOR PAIN AND PATIENT SATISFACTION

Abstract

Labor pain management is crucial to obstetric care, as it influences the labor experience and overall patient satisfaction. Non-pharmacological interventions like lower back massage have been suggested to alleviate labor pain, but their efficacy requires further evaluation. Objective: To assess the efficacy of lower back massage in improving labor pain and patient satisfaction among pregnant women during labor. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of Nishtar Hospital, Multan. A total of 160 pregnant women with single fetuses at full term, cervical dilation of 4 cm or more, and expected to have spontaneous delivery were included. Participants were divided into two groups: the study group (n=80) received sacral massage for 30 minutes at the end of the latent, active, and transition phases during contractions, while the control group (n=80) received standard care. Pain during severe contractions was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction was rated on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most satisfactory. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate tests, with significance at p<0.05. Results: Significant differences were observed between the groups in VAS scores during labor phases. In the latent phase, mean VAS scores were 4.9 ± 1 in the study group and 6.8 ± 1.5 in the control group (p<0.05). In the active phase, scores were 7.1 ± 2.0 and 9.4 ± 1.4, respectively (p<0.05). During the transition phase, the study group had a lower VAS score of 7.2 ± 3.2 compared to 9.5 ± 2.8 in the control group (p<0.05). The mean satisfaction score was significantly higher in the study group (9 ± 0.9) compared to the control group (7.4 ± 1) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Lower back massage significantly reduces labor pain and enhances patient satisfaction during labor. Massage in standard obstetric care is recommended to improve maternal comfort and labor outcomes.