Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Authors (including presenting author) :
SZE PY(1), Wong HMR(1), Li OCA(1), Yip MY(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
Intrapartum women who are less anxious are known to have better baby outcomes and feel less pain during childbirth. Aromatherapy is a well-known approach to alleviate labor pain and anxiety. Since 2022, PYNEH O&G department has introduced inhalation aromatherapy as a non- pharmacological pain relief method during intrapartum period to promote mother- friendly childbirth and an optimal effect was noted. Footbath is a hydrotherapy technique in which both feet are submerged in warm (around 40°C) water. Studies have shown that footbath can increase blood circulation, causing relaxation response in the body, and improve physical comfort, with possible impacts on the activity of parasympathetic neurons as the entire body become warm from the toes. To extend and maximize the effectiveness of aromatherapy, aroma footbath had introduced to intrapartum women in 2023.
Objectives :
- To provide different routes of aromatherapy as pain relief and anxiety alleviating method for intrapartum clients to enhance quality of care. - To evaluate the effectiveness of using aroma footbath in reducing labour pain and anxiety.
Methodology :
5 selected essential oils including Ginger, Roman Chamomile, Clary Sage, Sweet orange, and Lavender were used in this study. 8-12 drops of selected dissolved- essential oil were added into the warm water. Clients were assisted to immerse both feet in aroma footbath for 10-15 minutes.
All women who experienced aroma footbath had undergone pre- and post-test measure which included 1) Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess anxiety level and 2) Numeric Pain Rating scale to assess the pain level. Follow by the assessment, a survey regarding participants' satisfaction level and perception of aroma footbath was adopted.
Result & Outcome :
Data were collected from September to November 2022. A total number of 48 subjects were recruited. No significant difference in mode of delivery and neonatal outcome was noted. Both STAI score and pain score were decreased (p<0.01) after using aroma footbath. A positive correlation between the improvement of pain and anxiety level was noted (Spearman Correlation=0.818, p>0.01).
Additionally, there was a significant reduction of using Entonox (p<0.01) and more participants enjoyed childbirth without using pharmacological pain relief method (p<0.01) after using aroma footbath. The duration of using Entonox in first stage of labour was also significantly shortened (p<0.01) among participants who used aroma footbath compared to the control group.
