Effectiveness of Clove Oil Massage on Lower Back Pain Among Post Natal Mothers at Selected Hospitals, Bangalore

Lower back pain is a common problem during the postnatal period. The aim of the study to assess the effectiveness of clove oil massage on lower back pain among postnatal mothers at selected hospitals, Bangalore. A qualitative approach was used with pre test post test control group design. The target populations of the study were postnatal mothers with mild, moderate and severe back pain. This population was selected by convenient sampling technique. The total sample under the study were 40 (20 in control and 20 in experimental) postnatal mothers with mild, moderate and severe pain. The data collection made through structured Interview Schedule and Visual Analogue Pain Scale, which was designed to assess the pre lower back pain. The pre test was followed by application of clove oil massage in the morning and evening for 5-6 minutes with 8 to 10 ml of clove oil. Post test was conducted after 3 days using the same scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed the clove oil massage pre test and post test mean % in control were 66.5% and 55%, whereas in experimental group 66% and 22%, which is statistically significant as observed between experimental pre and post test score (P <0.05). There was significant association between control group pre test lower back pain scores with selected demographical variables for parity (χ2- 4.9), whereas in experimental group pre test lower back pain scores with selected demographic variables for age of the mother (χ2- 7.6) and parity (χ2- 9.8). The study concluded that clove oil were effective in reducing the lower back pain among postnatal mothers.