MEDISAINS
Vol. 24 No. 1 (2026)

Effect of integrated non-pharmacological therapy on second-stage labor duration and neonatal Apgar scores

Rosmiarti (Unknown)
Marlin, Riska (Unknown)
Bahriah , Yuli (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Childbirth is a physiological process influenced by maternal physical and psychological conditions. A prolonged second stage of labor is associated with increased risks of maternal fatigue, birth canal trauma, and impaired neonatal adaptation. However, evidence regarding structured integrated non-pharmacological interventions during labor remains limited. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of an integrated non-pharmacological intervention on second-stage labor duration and neonatal Apgar scores. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from January to June 2025 among 60 women with term singleton pregnancies (intervention, n = 30; control, n = 30). Participants were allocated consecutively into two groups. The intervention consisted of Qur’anic recitation, cold compress application, and effleurage massage. The primary outcome was second-stage labor duration, and secondary outcomes were Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and regression analysis, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The intervention group had a significantly shorter second-stage labor duration than the control group (mean difference = −14.4 minutes; 95% CI: −19.2 to −9.6; p < 0.001). Neonates in the intervention group had significantly higher Apgar scores at 1 minute (mean difference = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.41 to 1.19; p = 0.002) and 5 minutes (mean difference = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.88; p = 0.001). Conclusions: An integrated non-pharmacological intervention was associated with shorter second-stage labor duration and higher early neonatal Apgar scores. This multimodal approach may provide a feasible, low-cost supportive strategy for intrapartum care in low-resource settings. Further randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

medisains

Publisher

Subject

Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

MEDISAINS: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu-ilmu kesehatan merupakan sarana penyebarluasan ilmu pengetahuan, riset, teknologi dan inovasi dibidang kesehatan yang diterbitkan tiga kali dalam setahun (April, Agustus dan Desember). Jurnal Medisains adalah jurnal peer reviewed dan Open-Access yang dikelola oleh ...