The effect of therapeutic touch on labour pain, anxiety and childbirth attitude: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction: Touching ensures physical, emotional and spiritual relaxation, confidence, peace, calmness and well-being, and increases self-esteem. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of therapeutic touch on labour pain, anxiety and childbirth attitude. Methods: This randomized controlled trial consisted of 80 (intervention group: 40; control group: 40) women attending the maternity unit of a public hospital in Sivas, Turkey between 1 July and 30 December 2019. The first therapeutic touch application was performed in the active phase of the first stage of labour, for 15 min and the second was conducted during the second stage of labour. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale, State Anxiety Inventory and Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire. The forms were completed twice, in the latent phase of the first stage of labour (first follow-up) and in the fourth stage of labour (second follow-up). The results were evaluated with a 95% confidence interval and effect size. Results: Effect size at 95% confidence interval after therapeutic touch was determined as -1.65 (-2.14 / -1.13) for Visual Analogue Scale, -3.33 (-3.96 / -2.62) for State Anxiety Inventory and -2.98 (-3.59 / -2.32) for Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire. Conclusion: Women in the intervention group reported a decrease in pain and anxiety levels, and more positive attitudes towards childbirth after therapeutic touch. The control group showed an increase in pain scores, and no change in anxiety and attitude scores.