Prevalence of prescription and effectiveness of analgesia for treating vaginal delivery pain

Rev Bras Enferm. 2024 Nov 22;77(5):e20230327. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2023-0327. eCollection 2024.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objectives: to assess pain management during labor.

Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out by reviewing medical records and conducting postpartum interviews. Prevalence and effectiveness of analgesia were assessed.

Results: the prevalence of non-pharmacological analgesia was 61.86% of 215 women in labor in Obstetric Center and 82.51% of 62 in midwife-led unit. Prevalence of severe pain, on the Visual Analogue Scale, before and after non-pharmacological analgesia, was from 92.16% to 64.04% (p=0.00) in Obstetric Center and from 85.96% to 52.63% (p=0.01) in midwife-led unit. Prevalence of pharmacological analgesia in Obstetric Centers was 15.81%, with no variation in severe pain (p=0.57). Patients' request for analgesia was associated with education (p=0.00) and pain intensity (p=0.02).

Conclusions: non-pharmacological analgesia improved pain intensity. Prevalence of pharmacological analgesic prescription was lower than that identified in developed countries. Pain management needs to consider the preferences and needs of women in labor.

Objetivos:: evaluar el manejo del dolor durante el parto.

Métodos:: estudio transversal realizado mediante revisión de historias clínicas y entrevistas posparto. Evaluamos la prevalencia y eficacia de la analgesia.

Resultados:: la prevalencia de analgesia no farmacológica fue 61,86% de 215 parturientas en el Centro Obstétrico y 82,51% de 62 en la sala dirigida por enfermeras. La prevalencia de dolor intenso, en la Escala Visual Analógica, antes y después de la analgesia no farmacológica, fue del 92,16% al 64,04% (p=0,00) y del 85,96% al 52,63% (p=0,01). La prevalencia de analgesia farmacológica en el Centro Obstétrico fue 15,81%, sin variación del dolor (p=0,57). La solicitud de analgesia se asoció con educación (p=0,00) e intensidad del dolor (p=0,02).

Conclusiones:: la analgesia no farmacológica mejoró el dolor. La prevalencia de analgesia farmacológica fue inferior que en países desarrollados. El manejo del dolor debe considerar preferencias y necesidades de las mujeres en trabajo de parto.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analgesia / methods
  • Analgesia / standards
  • Analgesia / statistics & numerical data
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Delivery, Obstetric / methods
  • Delivery, Obstetric / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Labor Pain / drug therapy
  • Pain Management* / methods
  • Pain Management* / standards
  • Pain Management* / statistics & numerical data
  • Pain Measurement / methods
  • Pregnancy
  • Prescriptions / standards
  • Prescriptions / statistics & numerical data
  • Prevalence

Substances

  • Analgesics