A Comparison of the Effects of Childbirth Education Upon Primigravida's Pain Tolerance in Labor

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between attendance at prepared childbirth classes and pain tolerance in labor. The hypothesis tested was: Primiparous women who have attended prepared childbirth classes will demonstrate higher pain tolerance during labor than those women who have not attended any prepared childbirth classes. A prospective repeated measures design was used. Data were collected from primiparous women in labor in the form of a demographic sheet and a visual analogue scale (VAS). A VAS was administered twice during labor, and once postpartum. The sample consisted of 72 subjects divided into Group I (N=26) who attended prepared childbirth classes and Group II (N=46) who did not attend any prepared childbirth classes. These two groups were subdivided further by the type of labor room assignment (LR, Semi-private LR, LDR). The data were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance test (ANOVA) to determine if any differences existed among the two childbirth class groups and the labor room assignment. Chi square was performed on ethnicity, income, and classes. Spearman rank correlation coefficients coefficients were computed to determine if any correlations existed between pain levels and age, school grade, and income. No significant differences were found for between the two study groups in pain level at any time of measurement. A significant ethnicity by time interaction effect was found in pain during labor (p < 0.01). Significant time effects were found for subjects who had epidura1s dosed at Time 1 (p < 0.02), and method of delivery (p < 0.02). A significant negative correlation was found at Time 2 (p < 0.04; r=-0.28) and Time 3 (p < O.O5; r= -0.27) between school grade and pain levels, and at Time 1 between income and pain levels (p < O.O1; r= -0.32).