Knowledge of midwives on non-pharmacological methods of pain management during labor at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala District. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/ceaqxb26Keywords:
Non-pharmacological pain management, Labour pain, Midwives’ knowledge, Kawempe National Referral HospitalAbstract
Background:
Knowledge of non-pharmacological methods of labor pain management is a critical determinant of their utilization among midwives. The study aims to examine midwives' knowledge of non-pharmacological methods of pain management during labor at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used, and it utilized quantitative methods of data collection. The study was carried out at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala District. The study targeted all midwives at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala District. 30 midwives were chosen at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala District. A convenience sampling method was used in this study.
Results:
Regarding age, the majority of respondents, 12 (40%), were aged 26–30 years, followed by 8 (26.7%) in the 18–25 years bracket, 6 (20%) aged 31–35 years, and 4 (13.3%) were above 35 years. 25 (83.3%) identified breathing exercises, 22 (73.3%) identified position changes, 20 (66.7%) mentioned massage, 15 (50%) cited music therapy, 10 (33.3%) cited warm bath/hydrotherapy, 5 (16.7%) cited aromatherapy, and 3 (10%) were aware of acupuncture. 22 (73.3%) believed that NPPM were effective, 3 (10%) believed they were not effective, and 5 (16.7%) were not sure. On self-rated knowledge of NPPM, 12 (40%) rated their knowledge as good, 10 (33.3%) as fair, 5 (16.7%) as excellent, and 3 (10%) as poor. 12 (40%) of respondents reported having read guidelines or literature on NPPM, while 18 (60%) had not read any relevant materials.
Conclusions:The study revealed that midwives at Kawempe National Referral Hospital have a generally high level of awareness of non-pharmacological methods of labour pain management, particularly for common techniques such as breathing exercises, position changes, and massage.
Recommendations:
Formulate and implement national policies and guidelines that promote and standardize the use of non-pharmacological methods for labor pain management.
References
1. Bishaw, K. A., Sendo, E. G., & Abebe, W. S. (2020). Knowledge and use of labour pain relief methods among obstetric caregivers in Ethiopia: A facility-based cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-020-03034-6.
2. Boateng, E. A., Kumi, L. O., & Diji, A. K. (2019). Nurses and midwives’ experiences of using non-pharmacological interventions for labor pain management: A qualitative study in Ghana. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 19(1), 168. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-0192311-x.
3. McCauley, M., Stewart, C., & Kebede, B. (2017). Healthcare providers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding labor pain relief in Ethiopia. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 17(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-017-1211-8.
4. Mwakawanga, D. L., Mselle, L. T., Chikwala, V. Z., & Sirili, N. (2022). Use of nonpharmacological methods in managing labour pain: Experiences of nurse-midwives in Tanzania. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 22(1), 376. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884022-04707-x.
5. Nakyanzi, J., Mukomuzibu, C., & Kimera, D. (2023). Challenges to implementing nonpharmacological strategies for labour pain in Uganda. Student’s Journal of Health Research Africa, 4(9), 17. https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v4i9.623.
6. Smith, L. A., Burns, E., & Cuthbert, A. (2018). Parenteral opioids for maternal pain management in labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 6(6), CD007396. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007396.pub3.
7. World Health Organization. (2018). WHO recommendations: Intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550215.
8. Zeleke, A. M., Gonete, Y. A., Tassew, W. C., & Ferede, Y. A. (2025). Utilization of nonpharmacological labour pain management and associated factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 25(1), 309. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-025-07441-2.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Suzan Oyesigye, Asha Kagoda Nabirye, Grace Denise Akwang, Joy Michelle Namagembe (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
