NuRsing aRea

Labour pain experience and intensity: A Jordanian perspective

Abushaikha, Lubna RN PhD; Oweis, Arwa RN DNS

Assistant Professor, Department of Maternal-Child Health, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan (Abushaikha)

Assistant Professor, Department of Maternal-Child Health, Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan (Oweis)

Correspondence: Lubna Abushaikha, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Department of Maternal-Child Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, PO Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan. Email: lub2001@just.edu.jo

Accepted for publication July 2004
Abstract

In this descriptive study, 100 low-risk participants who delivered vaginally were recruited from the postpartum unit of a major hospital in the city of Amman. Three instruments, the Numeric Pain Intensity Scale (NPIS), a pain assessment questionnaire and a demographic questionnaire were used to assess labour experiences and labour pain intensity levels. The majority of Jordanian parturients did not receive pain relief. Eighty-one women reported pain intensity levels of ≥ 8 on the NPIS (ranging from 0-10). The mean pain intensity level during the second stage of labour was 8.83. A significant difference in age was found between primiparas and multiparas. Jordanian parturients reported painful labour experiences; therefore, re-evaluation of current maternity nursing and midwifery practices and roles regarding labour pain management are warranted. The roles of supporter and educator among maternity nurses and midwives in Jordan also need to improve considerably.

taken from: http://pt.wkhealth.com/pt/re/ijnp/abstract