Publication: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF PERCEPTION TOWARDS ACUPUNCTURE AS AN ALTERNATIVE, NON - PHARMACOLOGICAL METHOD TO REDUCE INTENSITY OF LABOUR PAIN AMONG PREGANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL IN SANDAKAN, SABAH STATE OF MALAYSIA.
Date
2022-07
Authors
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Publisher
International Medical University
Abstract
Background: Since ancient times, Acupuncture was used to treat painful conditions in patient.
Currently there is limited research evidence as to whether pregnant women are supportive of
acupuncture treatment in maternity services for labour pain management in Malaysia.
Objective: To evaluate the perception and acceptance of acupuncture as an alternative, non
- pharmacological labour pain management (NPLPM) among antenatal women in a district
region, Sandakan, state of Sabah in Malaysia.
Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted using a convenient and voluntary
sampling method. A total of 201 antenatal women were recruited in the antenatal clinic in a private
hospital in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia. Data collection tool was a validated, self-administered
bilingual questionnaire form consisting of Malay and English language version. All antenatal
women regardless of their gestational age, who were attending the antenatal clinic, were included
during the study period. The collected data were analysed using SPSS software.
Results: 201(100%) respondents had completed and returned the questionnaire form. The study
population generally have positive perceptions towards acupuncture. 51.7% of the responders are
willing to accept acupuncture as an alternative NPLPM method if available. 35.8% of the
responders are in the neutral group and 12 .5% of the responders are not willing to accept
acupuncture as an option for their labour pain management. There was a statistically significant difference in acceptance of acupuncture as an alternative NPLPM method among those with and
without acupuncture knowledge.
Conclusion: About half of the study population are willing to accept acupuncture as a NPLPM
method. Introduction of acupuncture for labour pain management can be beneficial and considered
especially for woman who refused pharmacological treatment, who has contraindication for labour
epidural and in rural region with limited resources. Patients' knowledge, awareness and past
experience of acupuncture had a significant effect on acceptance of acupuncture for labour pain
management.
Keywords
Perception, attitudes, knowledge, acupuncture, labour pain, Sabah
Description
Keywords
Perception, Attitude, Knowledge, Acupuncture, Labor Pain, Pregnant Women, Cross-Sectional Studies