THE EFFECT OF TRANSCUTANEOUS ELECTRICAL NERVE STIMULATION AND CHEWING MINT GUM ON LABOR PAIN INTENSITY AND ANXIETY LEVEL: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Abstract Background: Non-pharmacological pain management strategies play an important role in reducing labor pain and anxiety during active phase of the first stage of labor. Aim: To compare the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and chewing mint gum on labor pain intensity and anxiety level. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted in the labor unit at Badr Hospital Capital University, Cairo, Egypt. Sample: A purposive sample of 90 pregnant women was recruited. Tools: Data were collected using four tools: (I) a structured interview questionnaire, (II) standardized labor pain assessment, (III) Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale; and (IV) Pregnant Women`s Satisfaction Level. Results: Most pregnant women’s reported severe pain before the intervention. After the interventions, TENS significantly reduced pain and anxiety compared to chewing mint gum. In the TENS group, 16.7% reported mild pain and 80% moderate pain, while 63.3% of the chewing mint gum group continued to experience severe pain. Anxiety improvement was 51.1% in the TENS group versus 20.4% in the chewing mint gum group. Pregnant women satisfaction was higher with TENS, with 80% reporting complete satisfaction compared to 36.7% in the chewing mint gum group. Conclusion: TENS was more effective than chewing mint gum in reducing labor pain and anxiety and improving pregnant women satisfaction, highlighting the value of non-pharmacological interventions during the active phase of labor. Recommendation: Implemented educational programs for pregnant women to promote non-pharmacological pain management methods during labor.