Effect of New Modality Application during Episiotomy Repair on Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction among Primiparous Women

Abstract

Background: There are now new technologies and non-pharmacological ways to ease pain, especially during the healing process after an episiotomy. Virtual reality is a new way to treat pain during normal childbirth, and it is becoming more popular. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of a new modality application during episiotomy repair on pain, anxiety, and satisfaction among primiparous women. To accomplish the goal of the current study, a quasiexperimental research design was used. Setting: The study was carried out in the Menoufia University Hospital delivery and labor unit. A purposive sample of 100 primiparous women who were in labor was divided into the study and control groups as the subjects (50 for each). To collect data, four tools were used: a structured interviewing questionnaire, a visual analog scale, a Spielberger state-trait anxiety questionnaire, and a mother satisfaction tool. Results: The study group mean age was 28.86± 5.96 years old, whereas the control group was 28.52± 6.21 years old. The study group's mean episiotomy repair duration score was 9.72 ± 3.15 min, whereas the control group was 15.10 ± 4.25 min. Also, the study group's mean pain intensity score was lower than the control group's mean score (4.66 ±1. 61vs. 6.82± 1.00, respectively). Also, there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the length of the repair, the severity of the pain, and the degree of anxiety. Also, most of the study sample were satisfied with virtual reality applications. Conclusion: Virtual reality is an effective technique for reducing pain and anxiety level. Also, it is a more efficacious distraction tool for participants during episiotomy repair. Recommendation: Utilization of Virtual reality as an effective complementary non-pharmacological and safe distraction method to lessen pain during episiotomy repair in maternity hospitals.