Research Article

Reducing Tetanus Vaccine Pain in Filipino Pregnant Women: Helfer Skin Tap Technique Efficacy

Authors

  • Gerlita Pio College of Health Sciences Department, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue Bulacan Philippines
  • Regie De Jesus College of Health Sciences Department, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue Bulacan Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8416-9190
  • Narciso Dexter Belvis College of Health Sciences Department, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue Bulacan Philippines
  • Diadima Lucas College of Health Sciences Department, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue Bulacan Philippines
  • Hannah Daza College of Health Sciences Department, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue Bulacan Philippines
  • Senna Martin College of Health Sciences Department, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue Bulacan Philippines
  • Joven Rey Atalia College of Health Sciences Department, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue Bulacan Philippines
  • Anne Cherryl Cruz College of Health Sciences Department, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue Bulacan Philippines
  • Bienvenida Ramos College of Health Sciences Department, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges, Inc., Bocaue Bulacan Philippines

Abstract

Intramuscular injections, crucial for medication and vaccine delivery, often induce significant pain, particularly in pregnant women undergoing routine immunizations. Tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccination, vital for maternal and neonatal health, poses a recurring challenge due to associated discomfort. The Helfer Skin Tap Technique (HSTT), known for alleviating injection pain in adults, remains underexplored in pregnant populations. This study evaluates HSTT's efficacy in reducing pain during tetanus toxoid intramuscular vaccination in pregnant women. Employing a true experimental design, 60 primigravida participants aged 18 to 35 were randomly assigned to experimental (HSTT) and control groups. Pain levels, physiological responses, and HSTT's impact were assessed. Results indicate a significant reduction in pain perception (p=0.004) in the experimental group, corroborated by physiological indicators. When examining physiological indicators of pain, statistically significant differences were observed in heart rate (p=0.02) and respiratory rate (p=0.001) between the two groups. However, no significant difference was found in blood pressure (p=0.98) between the two groups. HSTT offers a promising avenue for enhancing prenatal care experiences and maternal well-being. Further research should explore its long-term effects, applicability, and cost-effectiveness in obstetric settings to ensure equitable access to pain management interventions for pregnant women worldwide.

Article information

Journal

British Journal of Nursing Studies

Volume (Issue)

4 (1)

Pages

88-93

Published

2024-05-14

How to Cite

Pio, G., De Jesus, R., Narciso Dexter Belvis, Diadima Lucas, Hannah Daza, Senna Martin, Joven Rey Atalia, Anne Cherryl Cruz, & Bienvenida Ramos. (2024). Reducing Tetanus Vaccine Pain in Filipino Pregnant Women: Helfer Skin Tap Technique Efficacy. British Journal of Nursing Studies, 4(1), 88–93. https://doi.org/10.32996/bjns.2024.4.1.8

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Keywords:

Pain-reducing Intervention, Intramuscular Injections, Tetanus Toxoid, Helfer Skin Tap Technique