The Effects of Structured Self-Perineal Care Education on Episiotomy Pain Score and Wound Healing Outcome among Primigravida Mothers in Malaysia Urban Area

Abstract

Background: Pain and wound dehiscence cause physical and emotional traumas, impacting the mothers' quality of life, mental health, and maternal-child bonding. Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the effect of self-perineal care (SPC) education on episiotomy pain scores and wound healing outcomes. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used in this study. In the third trimester, 125 primigravida mothers attended the antenatal clinic and were assigned to a SPC education group (n=62) and a control group (n=63). The intervention group received two phases of SPC education apart from the study hospital’s routine care, and the mothers in the control group received only routine care. The primigravida mothers in the treatment group were provided SPC education content on their smartphones using the “SPCE” mobile application. Mothers in both groups self-reported their episiotomy pain score and wound healing outcome over 7 days post-childbirth using this mobile application. Results: The overall pain and REEDA scores (redness, oedema, ecchymosis, discharge, approximation) were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group for the first 7-days post-delivery with P < 0.001 except for 4 h of baseline observation. For each activity of daily living, the scores were lower in the intervention group for the 7 days post-delivery. Conclusion: Self-perineal care education positively reduced episiotomy pain scores and enhanced wound healing outcomes. This study empowered the primigravida mothers to take responsibility for their health by involving in a self-care education program.