International Journal of Advanced Health Science and Technology
Vol. 5 No. 6 (2025): December

Association Between Anxiety And Labor PainIntensity During The First Stage Of Active Labor in Primigravidas

Novi Danisia Ekayanti (Department of Midwifery, Poltekkes Kemenkes Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Nurlailis Saadah (Department of Midwifery, Poltekkes Kemenkes Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Astuti Setiyani (Department of Midwifery, Poltekkes Kemenkes Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Budi Joko Santosa (Department of Midwifery, Poltekkes Kemenkes Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Dec 2025

Abstract

Maternal anxiety during childbirth is widely recognized as a psychological factor that may intensify perceivedpain and affect labor progress; however, its specific association with pain levels in primigravidas during the first active stage of labor remains under-investigated, particularly in Indonesian clinical settings. This study aimed to examine the correlation between maternal anxiety and labor pain intensity among primigravida women in the active phase of first-stage labor. An analytical observational approach with a cross-sectional design was employed. A sample of 37 primigravidas was recruited using simple random sampling at RSUD Dr. Sayidiman Magetan. Anxiety levels were measured using the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised (PRAQ-R2), and labor pain intensity was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Data were analyzed using the Spearman Rank correlation test with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. The findings showed that the majority of respondents experienced severe anxiety, and all reported severe labor pain. Statistical testing demonstrated a moderate positive correlation between maternal anxiety and pain intensity (rho = 0.48; p = 0.002), indicating that higher anxiety was associated with heightened pain perception. In conclusion, maternal anxiety is significantly associated with increased labor pain during the first active stage in primigravidas, suggesting that psychological distress may amplify physiological pain responses during childbirth. These results highlight the importance of integrating psychological assessment and supportive interventions such as antenatal counseling, breathing regulation, structured emotional support, and relaxation techniques into maternity care practices. Future research should incorporate larger and more diverse cohorts, additional psychosocial determinants, and interventional analyses to further elucidate causal mechanisms and improve labor management strategies.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijahst

Publisher

Subject

Electrical & Electronics Engineering Health Professions Nursing Public Health

Description

International Journal of Advanced Health Science and Technology (IJAHST) publishes peer-reviewed, original research and review articles in an open-access format. Accepted articles span the full extent of the Public Health, Environmental Health, Nursing, Oral and Dental Health, Midwifery, Nutrition, ...