PURPOSE:
To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of massage as a practical, non-pharmacological intervention to reduce labor pain, decrease anxiety, and enhance satisfaction among primiparous women.

DISCUSSION:
Many first-time mothers experience labor without pharmacological pain relief due to cultural attitudes, economic barriers, or limited anesthesia services. Standard non-drug methods such as deep breathing are widely used but frequently insufficient for significant pain reduction. Massage provides an accessible, low-cost, and culturally appropriate alternative, encouraging meaningful involvement of birth companions. Easy implementation by healthcare providers and family members makes massage suitable even in resource-limited maternity settings.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Two recent randomized controlled trials provide robust Level 2 evidence. The trial by Kaçar & Özcan Keser (2021), involving 210 participants, reported significant pain reduction (VAS scores, p < .001) and increased satisfaction from both mechanical and warm massage interventions. Shahbazzadegan & Nikjou (2022) demonstrated Kimber hand massage significantly lowered pain scores at 7 cm cervical dilation (VAS 4.79 vs. 7.17, p < .0001) and substantially reduced maternal anxiety (STAI from 63.36 to 42.60, p < .0001). Neither trial reported any adverse effects, highlighting the safety and feasibility of massage use in labor.

KEY MESSAGE:
Massage is a safe, effective, and culturally adaptable intervention to manage labor pain and anxiety, empowering midwives and birth companions to enhance maternal comfort and birth experiences. If adopted, this care model will be promoted through structured in-service training and antenatal education sessions within our hospital, using a brief, practical massage protocol with low-cost tools (e.g., warm compress, handheld massager, manual techniques). We aim to integrate massage into routine labor support, particularly in resource-limited or high-volume settings lacking epidural access. Collaboration with midwifery educators will facilitate inclusion of non-pharmacologic pain relief skills in curricula, and future evaluations will collect observational data on maternal satisfaction and labor outcomes to support local adaptation and wider dissemination. Poster session 1 (Group A)