The Effect of Effleurage Massage on Anxiety in Pregnant Women Facing Childbirth

Abstract

Anxiety during pregnancy, particularly when facing childbirth, represents a significant psychological challenge that can adversely affect maternal and fetal outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of effleurage massage as a complementary intervention in reducing anxiety levels among pregnant women preparing for childbirth. A quasi-experimental design with pre-post test control group was employed, involving 60 third-trimester pregnant women (28-36 weeks gestation) randomly allocated into intervention group (n=15) receiving effleurage massage and control group (n=15) receiving standard antenatal care. The intervention consisted of effleurage massage performed three times weekly for four weeks, with each session lasting 20 minutes, focusing on back, shoulder, and arm areas. Anxiety levels were measured using the Indonesian validated version of Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). Statistical analysis revealed significant anxiety reduction in the intervention group from baseline to post-intervention (p<0.001), while the control group experienced increased anxiety levels from (p=0.042). Independent t-test demonstrated significant between-group differences post-intervention (p<0.001). The findings suggest that effleurage massage is an effective, safe, and cost-efficient complementary therapy for managing pregnancy-related anxiety and can be integrated into routine maternity nursing practice to enhance maternal psychological well-being.