EFFECT OF AROMATHERAPY BACK MASSAGE VERSUS ACUPRESSURE SAN YIN JIAO (SP6) ON LABOR PAIN INTENSITY AND DURATION AMONG PRIMIGRAVIDAS

Background: Labor pain is considered to be one of the worst pains experienced by most women in their lifetime. It's thought to be an unforgettable and personalized encounter. It is related to the interaction between physiological factors, such as uterine contractions and cervical dilation, and psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of aromatherapy back massage versus acupressure San Yin Jiao (SP6) on labor pain intensity and duration among primigravidas. Design: A Quazi- experimental research design was used. Setting: This study was conducted at the labor and delivery unit at El Shatby Maternity, University Hospital in Alexandria. Sample: A convenient sample of 80 laboring women were recruited according to certain criteria and divided into two equal groups (Aromatherapy back massage group and Acupressure San Yin Jiao (SP6) group. Tools: Three tools were used for data collection: an interviewing assessment sheet, visual analog scale and a modified version of Chamber Price pain rating scale. Results: Regarding labor pain, the study revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between pre and post intervention in the aromatherapy back massage group and acupressure San Yin Jiao (SP6) group (p < 0.001 and p= 0.040) respectively. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups after the second post intervention (p = 0.029). Moreover, there was also a statistically significant difference among the two groups related to the duration of first and second stage (p<0.001 and p<0.001) respectively. Conclusion: The application of Aromatherapy back massage and Acupressure San Yin Jiao (SP6) has a significant effect on reducing labor pain and duration. Recommendation: In service training program regarding the application of Aromatherapy back massage and Acupressure San Yin Jiao (SP6) at the hospital to decrease labor pain