The Effect of Deep Breathing Relaxation Techniques on Reducing Postoperative Pain Following Cesarean Sections at Harapan dan Doa Hospital in Bengkulu City in 2025

Abstract

Cesarean section (CS) is one of the procedures used to address complications during childbirth, the incidence of which continues to rise both globally and nationally. According to 2021 WHO data, cesarean deliveries account for approximately 21% of all births worldwide, while in Indonesia the cesarean rate stands at around 17% and remains linked to the high Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), which in 2022 was recorded at 183 per 100,000 live births. Pain is the primary issue experienced by patients following a cesarean section due to the incision in the abdominal wall, and if not properly managed, it can hinder mobilization, early initiation of breastfeeding, and patient recovery. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of deep breathing relaxation techniques on reducing postoperative pain following cesarean section at Harapan dan Doa Hospital in Bengkulu City in 2025. The research method used was a pre-experimental study with a one-group pre-post test design. Sampling was conducted using purposive sampling, with a sample size of 21 patients who had undergone cesarean section. Pain levels were measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) before and after the deep breathing relaxation technique intervention. Data analysis was conducted using univariate and bivariate methods, including the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. The results of the univariate analysis showed that before receiving the deep breathing relaxation technique, the majority of respondents—19 respondents (90.5%)—experienced severe pain. After the intervention, the majority of respondents experienced a reduction in pain to the moderate category (15 respondents, 71.4%) and the mild category (5 respondents, 23.8%). The results of the bivariate analysis showed that the deep breathing relaxation technique had a significant effect on reducing postoperative pain following cesarean section, with a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05). The researchers recommend that healthcare workers—particularly nurses and midwives at Harapan dan Doa Hospital in Bengkulu City—implement deep breathing relaxation techniques as a nonpharmacological intervention in nursing care to help reduce pain and improve patient comfort following a cesarean section..