Innovation of Herbal Hydrogel Dressing Made from Local Mangrove Leaves for Pain Management and Wound Healing in Post-Cesarean Section Mothers

Background: Cesarean section (CS) is a surgical procedure that can cause postoperative pain and delay wound healing, potentially increasing the risk of complications, limiting maternal mobility, and reducing maternal comfort. Local mangrove leaf-based hydrogel dressing (HDM) has the potential to serve as an advanced wound dressing because it can maintain wound moisture and deliver bioactive compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of HDM dressing in pain management and wound healing among post-cesarean section mothers. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a posttest-only control group design. A total of 102 post-CS mothers were selected using purposive sampling and divided into an HDM intervention group and a control group receiving standard hospital dressing. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while wound healing was assessed using the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment, REEDA, and standardized wound photography. Evaluations were conducted on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30, with monitoring of adverse events. Results: Wound conditions improved throughout the observation period, and no adverse events related to HDM use were identified. Pain intensity showed a gradual decrease from baseline through day 30. Conclusion: HDM dressing demonstrated potential in supporting wound healing and pain management among post-CS mothers, with good initial safety during the observation period. Further studies are needed to strengthen evidence of its effectiveness and safety through statistical analysis and more robust clinical study designs.