EFFECT OF LAVENDER OIL MASSAGE ON PAIN PERCEPTION DURING FIRST STAGE OF LABOUR AMONG PRIMI PARTURIENTS

STATEMENTA study to assess the effect of lavender oil massage on pain perception during first stage of labour among primi parturients admitted in selected hospital, Lucknow. Introduction: Pain in labor is a nearly universal experience for child bearing women. Labor pain is a challenging issue for nurses designing intervention protocols. Pain during labor is caused primarily by uterine muscle contractions and somewhat by pressure on the cervix. This pain manifests itself as cramping in the abdomen, groin, and back. Other causes of pain during labor include pressure on the bladder and bowels by the babys head and stretching of the birth canal and vagina. Labor events have got great psychological, emotional, and social impact to the women and her family. She experiences stress, physical pain, and fear of dangers. The care giver should be tactful, sensitive and respectful to her. Throughout labor she is given continued encouragement and emotional support and assurance are given to keep up the morale.Lavender oil used for aromatherapy is a very versatile essential oil that can be used throughout labour to promote relaxation. It provides a sedation effect to the central nervous system and relieves headache, nervous tension and balances mood swings. According to the American Pregnancy Association, lavender can help create a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere which can reduce pain and stimulate contraction of uterus Objectives Of The Study: 1. Assess the effect of lavender oil massage on pain perception during first stage of labour among primi parturients of experimental group. 2. Compare the post test level of pain perception between primi parturient of experimental group and control group. 3. Associate the level of pain during first stage of labour among primi parturients of experimental group with selected demographic variables. Research Methodology: This study was conducted using Quantitative approach at Integral Hospital, Lucknow. Quasi experimental research design (post test with control group design) was used in the study. The conceptual framework used in this study was Callista Roys Adaptation Model (1991). The total sample size was 30 (15 in experimental group and 15 in control group) selected by convenience sampling technique. Demographic variables were obtained by structured interview and the level of pain was assessed by modified visual analogue scale Reults: The data obtained are tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The statistical analysis of the data showed that the mean post test level of pain perception in control group is higher than the mean post test level of pain perception in experimental group. The mean score of experimental group is 2.2(68%) with SD0.41and mean score of control group is 2.8(88%) with SD 0.35 the mean difference is 0.4. The calculated t value is 4.31 at p<0.05 which is more than the table value at 0<0.05. Therefore the null hypothesis H01 is rejected. So the research hypothesis H1 was accepted Conclusion: The findings revealed that there was a significant difference between the level of pain perception among experimental group and control group. It also showed that there was no association of the level of pain during first stage of labour among primi parturients of experimental group with selected demographic variables.