Evaluation of Pain, Stress and Coping in Puerperal Women After Cesarean Section

Objective: The study's purpose has ben to assess pain, perceived stress and coping in puerperal women during their cesarean postoperative periods. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, which was carried out with 65 postpartum women admitted to a general hospital. The puerperal women during their cesarean postoperative period showing complaints and/or signs of pain in the last 24 hours were included. Data collection took place from April to July 2014 by using a Socio-demographic/Clinical Characterization Form, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale, and an Inventory of Coping Strategies. Considering data analysis, Statistical analysis was performed. The project was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee from the Universidade Regional do Nororeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (UNIJUI), CAAE No. 26726014.0.0000.5350. Results: 46.4% reported severe pain; 64.6% "nauseous" pain. Among the puerperal women, 83.1% were classified as medium stress, and Positive Reassessment was the most used coping factor. Conclusion: Through the surgical procedure the biopsychosocial health of the puerperal women can be compromised due to the presence of pain. Nevertheless, the use of coping strategies focused on the problem might favor the confrontation of the stressors in a positive way.