QR Code-Based Preoperative Education for Cesarean Birth: Anxiety, Pain, and Comfort

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the effect of QR code-based preoperative education on anxiety, postpartum pain, and comfort levels in women undergoing cesarean birth. Cesarean delivery is a common surgical procedure, and insufficient preoperative information may increase anxiety and negatively affect postoperative recovery and comfort. In this randomized controlled study, eligible pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean birth will be assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Women in the intervention group will receive preoperative education delivered through QR code-based digital materials, including information about the cesarean procedure, postoperative pain management, and comfort-enhancing strategies. The control group will receive routine care provided by the hospital. Anxiety levels will be assessed preoperatively, while postpartum pain and comfort levels will be evaluated after delivery using validated measurement tools. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of accessible and effective educational interventions to improve maternal well-being and postoperative outcomes in cesarean birth.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of QR code-based preoperative education on anxiety, postpartum pain, and comfort among women undergoing elective cesarean birth. The study will be conducted in a hospital setting and will include pregnant women who meet the predefined inclusion criteria and provide informed consent. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: an intervention group and a control group. Randomization will be performed using a predetermined allocation method to ensure comparability between groups. Women assigned to the intervention group will receive structured preoperative education delivered through QR code-based digital materials. These materials will include information on the cesarean birth process, perioperative expectations, postoperative pain management, and strategies to enhance physical and psychological comfort. Participants will be able to access the educational content using their personal mobile devices prior to surgery. The control group will receive routine preoperative care and standard information provided by the hospital. Data collection will be carried out at multiple time points. Preoperative anxiety levels will be assessed prior to the cesarean procedure. Postpartum pain and comfort levels will be evaluated after delivery during the postoperative period. Validated measurement instruments will be used to collect outcome data. Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics will also be recorded to describe the study population and to control for potential confounding variables. The primary outcomes of the study are changes in preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain and comfort levels. The study does not involve the use of any pharmacological agents or medical devices and poses minimal risk to participants. The results are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of digital, easily accessible educational interventions in improving maternal outcomes in cesarean birth.