The effect of ointment containing Malva sylvestris extract on the pain intensity of episiotomy wound in primiparous women: triple-blind clinical trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Midwifery, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.

2 Professor, Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

3 Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

5 M.Sc. of Health and Social Welfare, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: One of the medical interventions in childbirth is episiotomy which is used to widen the pelvic outlet. The pain resulting from episiotomy affects mother's quality of life. Malva sylvestris L is one of the oldest medicinal plants that have pain relief properties due to its flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The present study was performed with aim to determine the effect of Malva sylvestris L ointment on intensity of pain episiotomy wound in primiparous women.
Methods: This triple-blind randomized clinical trial study with a control group was conducted on 92 primiparous women (43 in Malva sylvestris L group and 49 in placebo group) referred to Mahdieh Hospital in Tehran in 2022-2023. After delivery, a fingertip-sized amount of ointment was prescribed for local application to the episiotomy incision twice daily for 10 nights for both study groups. Data collection tools included the demographic questionnaire, midwifery characteristics checklist, and visual pain assessment scale (VAS). Data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software (version 27) and chi-square, independent t and Fisher's exact tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the Malva sylvestris L and placebo groups regarding demographic characteristics, obstetric and health status prior to the intervention (P>0.005). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the intensity of pain scores before the intervention (P=0.809). The mean pain score in the Malva sylvestris L group on the fifth day and the tenth day had a statistically significant difference with the placebo group (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Malva sylvestris L extract ointment reduces the pain of episiotomy wound in primiparous women.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 27, Issue 7
September 2024
Pages 28-40

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