Effectiveness of Hand Massage on Reduction of Post Caesarean Pain

Background and Aim: The prevalence of caesarean section has increased substantially in Maharashtra from 2010-2017 and still is continuously increasing. Moreover, it is obligate to manage the post caesarean pain non-pharmacologically including hand massage. However, there is paucity of evidence for effectiveness of hand massage on post-caesarean pain in mothers of Kolhapur. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hand massage on post-caesarean pain in mothers of Kolhapur. Materials and methods: Quasi-experimental study was performed on 60 who underwent L.S.C.S and were on their 1st post-operative day in the selected hospitals at Kolhapur. The effectiveness of a hand massage was evaluated through a modified numerical rating pain scale using pre-test - post-test design. Reduction in pain score was determined through the qualitative and evaluative approach. Explanatory data analysis, paired t test and unpaired t test were used to analyze the data. Results: Significant reduction in pain was evident in the experimental group concerning pre and post-test pain scores (Mean difference ? standard deviation = 3.83?0.11; Tcal= 32.42; Ttab= 2.04; Pless than0.05). Moreover, when the post-test pain score was compared between experimental and control group, a significant difference in the post-test pain score was observed reflecting the effectiveness of hand massage in reducing LSCS pain (Mean difference ? standard deviation = 4.37?0.09; Tcal= 21.56; Ttab= 1.68; Pless than0.05). Conclusion: The hand massage was effective in reducing the post-caesarean pain. Hence, it can be used as a non-pharmacological therapy to reduce pain among caesarean mothers in Kolhapur.