Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Swedish massage combined with lavender and chamomile oils on childbirth outcomes during the first and second stages of labor. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled experimental study was conducted with 90 pregnant women. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Intervention A (n=30; carrier oil + chamomile oil + Swedish massage), Intervention B (n=30; carrier oil + lavender oil + Swedish massage), and Control (n=30; carrier oil + Swedish massage). Data were collected using the Individual Identification Form, Vital Signs (blood pressure and pulse), Partograph, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I and STAI-II), and the Childbirth Fear Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 23.0. The study was designed to compare the effects of Swedish massage combined with chamomile oil, lavender oil, or carrier oil on labor pain, anxiety, childbirth fear, physiological parameters, and selected birth outcomes during the first and second stages of labor.
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Swedish massage combined with chamomile oil or lavender oil during the first and second stages of labor. Participants were randomly allocated to three groups: chamomile oil with Swedish massage, lavender oil with Swedish massage, and carrier oil with Swedish massage. Outcome measures included labor pain, anxiety, childbirth fear, maternal vital signs, duration of labor stages, and selected maternal and neonatal birth outcomes. Data were collected at predefined stages of labor using validated assessment tools.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
90
Although lavender and chamomile oils have been used in midwifery practices in previous studies, no study has been found comparing the effects of Swedish massage
Antalya City Hospital
Antalya, Center, Turkey (Türkiye)
Antalya City Hospital
Antalya, Center, Turkey (Türkiye)
Labor pain intensity Visual Analog Scale
Measurement tool: Visual Analog Scale Measurement time: 4 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm cervical dilation and immediately after delivery. The scale is a 10 cm long scale used to assess pain intensity. Scores range from 0-100; higher scores indicate more severe pain.
Time frame: During Childbirth ( to 24 hours)
State anxiety level, state and trait anxiety scale I
The scale consists of two subscales that measure state and trait anxiety. Each subscale comprises 20 items, with scores ranging from 20 to 80. Higher scores indicate a higher level of anxiety. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the Turkish form are between 0.83 and 0.87 for State anxiety level I and between 0.86 and 0.92 for Trait anxiety level.
Time frame: Duration of first and second stage of labor servical opening 4-6 cm (up to 6 hours)
Trait anxiety level, state and trait anxiety scale II
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Form II, a 20-item self-report instrument. Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Total scores range from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater state anxiety. The instrument has demonstrated good reliability, with reported Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.83 to 0.87 in Turkish validation studies.
Time frame: Duration of first and second stage of labor servical opening 6-10 cm (up to 4 hours)
Delivery Fear Scale
Fear of childbirth will be assessed using the Delivery Fear Scale, a 10-item self-report instrument developed to measure fear experienced during labor. Each item is scored from 1 to 10, resulting in a total score ranging from 10 to 100. Higher scores indicate greater fear of childbirth. The Turkish version of the scale demonstrated excellent internal consistency with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.90.
Time frame: During the first and second stages of labor. (up to 24 hours)
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