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

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.