Evaluating the Impact of Benson's Relaxation Therapy on Post Caesarean Section Stress among Post Caesarean Mothers admitted at selected hospital of Chikhli, Navsari: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Background: Caesarean section (C‑section) is among the most frequently performed surgical procedures globally, accounting for approximately 21% of all births worldwide (World Health Organization, 2021). While it is often performed to safeguard the health of the mother and/or fetus in cases of obstetric complications, it is not without consequences. Mothers who undergo caesarean delivery often face both physical and psychological challenges during the postoperative period.  Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Benson’s Relaxation Therapy in reducing post-caesarean section stress among post-caesarean mothers admitted at a selected hospital of Chikhli, Navsari. Methodology: A quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group (pretest–posttest) design was conducted in a postnatal ward at selected hospital of Chikhli, Navsari. A total 30 eligible primipara and multipara post caesarean mothers were selected by using non-probability purposive sampling technique to assess the effectiveness of Benson’s Relaxation Therapy on Post Caesarean Section Stress among Post Caesarean Mother. Ethical clearance was obtained (Approval No. EC/NEW/INST/2023/GJ/0331). Participants were divided equally into experimental and control groups. Experimental group received an intervention for three consecutive days, while control group received routine care. After completing of the three consecutive days of intervention, post-test data were collected. Statistical Analysis Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0. A validated tool developed with expert input (Cronbach’s α = 0.84) was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage were used to summarize demographic characteristics and outcome measures. Inferential statistics included: Paired t-test to compare pretest and post-test stress scores within each group. Unpaired (independent) t-test to compare post test scores between experimental and control groups. Chi-square test to assess associations between selected demographic variables and pretest score. p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. Results: The table-2 depicts that stress scores between the experimental and control groups revealed a significant reduction in stress levels among mothers who received Benson's Relaxation Therapy. In the experimental group, the mean pretest stress score was 26.6 ± 3.1, which decreased markedly to 17.1 ± 2.5 in the post-test, yielding a mean difference of 9.5. The difference was statistically significant, with t-value of 8.43 and p-value of < 0.001, indicating a highly significant effect of the intervention. Conclusion: These findings clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of Benson's Relaxation Therapy in significantly reducing stress among post caesarean mothers in the experimental group compared to those who received only routine care.

KEYWORDS:

Caesarean Section, Post Caesarean Section Stress, Benson’s Relaxation Therapy, Quasi-Experimental.