THE EFFECTS OF LABOR SUPPORT PROGRAM ON PAIN INTENSITY, PAIN COPING BEHAVIORS, AND SATISFACTION WITH THE CHILDBIRTH EXPERIENCE AMONG PRIMIPAROUS WOMEN AT NONG PHAI HOSPITAL, PHETCHABUN PROVINCE.

Abstract

      This study employed a quasi-experimental, two-group posttest-only design. The control group received usual nursing care, while the experimental group received a labor support program in addition to usual nursing care. The study aimed to compare labor pain, pain-coping behaviors, and satisfaction with the childbirth experience. The participants were 44 primigravid women awaiting delivery at the labor room of Nong Phai Hospital, Phetchabun Province, from April to August 2026, divided into a control group       (n = 22) and an experimental group (n = 22). Research instruments included a labor support program,      a general information questionnaire, a labor pain assessment scale, and an observational pain behavior scale. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, independent t-test, and Mann–Whitney U test.

      The research findings revealed that 1) Labor pain levels during the latent and active phases were significantly different between the two groups (Z = -3.934, p < .001 and Z = -2.020, p = .043, respectively). No significant difference was found during the transition phase (Z = -1.796, p = .073). 2) The experimental group demonstrated more appropriate physical and psychological responses than the control group during the latent, active, and transition phases, with statistically significant differences (t = -7.57, p < .001; t = -9.66, p < .001; and t = -7.20, p < .001, respectively). 3) The experimental group had significantly higher mean satisfaction scores with the childbirth experience than the control group (t = -7.59, p < .001).