“Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Educational Intervention on Knowledge of Labor Analgesia Among Maternity Nurses: A Quasi-Experimental Study”

Abstract

Background: Effective pain management during labor is an essential component of quality maternal care. Maternity nurses play a crucial role in providing information, support, and implementation of labor analgesia techniques. However, inadequate knowledge regarding labor analgesia may hinder optimal pain management practices in maternity settings. Educational interventions can enhance nurses' understanding and competency in this area. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention on the knowledge of labor analgesia among maternity nurses working in selected maternity hospitals of Sangli district. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted among 60 maternity nurses selected from maternity hospitals in Sangli district using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Baseline knowledge regarding labor analgesia was assessed using a structured knowledge questionnaire. The educational intervention comprised interactive lectures, audiovisual presentations, demonstrations, and distribution of informational booklets related to pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of labor analgesia. Three educational sessions of one and a half hours each were conducted on Day 1, Day 15, and Day 30. Post-test assessment was carried out following completion of the intervention. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: The findings revealed a significant improvement in the post-test knowledge scores of maternity nurses compared with their pre-test scores, indicating the effectiveness of the educational intervention. The intervention enhanced nurses' understanding of the principles, indications, benefits, contraindications, and nursing responsibilities related to labor analgesia.