Publication:

Effect of skin tap technique on pain during hepatitis B vaccination among newborns: a randomized controlled trial

Background Pain is all about an unpleasant sensation created by stimuli. Every child has his or her own perception of pain. It is unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage.  Mechanical stimulation given by taping can diminish the influence of tiny, pain-carrying fibers.  This study aimed to assess the effect of skin tap technique on pain during hepatitis-B vaccination.

Methods A randomized controlled trial was carried out among 60 newborns in postnatal ward. Consecutive sampling technique was used to enroll the newborn who met the inclusion criteria. Data pertaining to newborn and a clinical characteristics birth order, gestation age, birth weight and mode of delivery were collected from medical record. Data regarding assess the level of pain during hepatitis-B vaccination by using the neonatal pain scale were collected from skin tap technique. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, t-test.

Results The data collected was analyzed by using mean and standard deviation.  The study findings high light that among 30 newborns vaccinated with the skin tap technique in the experimental group, the majority of newborns, 20 (66.7%), had mild to moderate pain, and 10 (33.3%) had severe pain.  Among 30 newborns vaccinated as a routine manner in the control group, the majority of newborns, 22 (73.3%), had severe pain, and 8 (26.7%) had mild to moderate pain, respectively.  The skin tap technique was effective compared to the control group.  The pain score was 3.83±1.147 and 5±1.174.  Respectively with a statistically significant p=0.000.

Conclusions The skin tap technique was effective in reducing pain during hepatitis-B vaccination among the newborns.