O uso do laser na dor da fissura mamária no pós-parto imediato: um estudo longitudinal

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate pain in women in the immediate postpartum period with nipple fissures before, immediately after, and 24 hours after laser therapy. An observational, longitudinal, quantitative study was conducted at the Hospital Uiversitário Ana Bezerral, using a convenience sample of 20 participants, where professionals from the service applied the intervention. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic aspects, experience with nipple fissures, and assessment of pain levels using a visual analogue scale. A descriptive analysis was performed using absolute and relative frequencies, as well as measures of center and dispersion. Data normality was verified using the Shapiro-Wilk test; the nonparametric Friedman test was used to compare related samples, with Bonferroni correction; and finally, it was used to measure the effect size or Kendall's W value. Pain resulting from nipple fissures showed a statistically significant reduction when compared to the moments before laser application and 24 hours after (p-value = 0.000); as well as when compared immediately after and 24 hours after laser (p-value = 0.002). Kendall's W value indicated a large effect size in the reduction of pain in the women participating in the study. The results suggest that the laser reduces pain in women with nipple fissures, especially after 24 hours of use. However, there is still a wide variation in the parameters used in clinical practice; more studies are needed to improve the protocols for the use of laser therapy.