International Journal of Innovative Research in Health Science

A quasi-experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Gua-sha therapy (scraping technique) on breast engorgement among primi para mothers in selected hospitals in Dindigul district. A quantitative evaluative approach with a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was adopted. Sixty primi para mothers with breast engorgement on the 3rd–5th postnatal day were selected using non-probability purposive sampling, with 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. A socio-demographic and obstetrical data form and the six-point breast engorgement scale developed by Hill and Humenick were used. The experimental group received Gua-sha therapy, whereas the control group received no intervention. In the experimental group, severe engorgement decreased from 46.67% in the pretest to 0% in the posttest, while normal breast condition increased from 0% to 56.67%. The mean score decreased from 4.93 ± 1.25 to 1.83 ± 1.17, with a mean difference of 3.10 and paired t = 16.02 (p<0.005). In the control group, the mean score changed from 5.13 ± 1.22 to 5.16 ± 1.23, with t = 0.91 and no significant difference. The posttest comparison between groups was significant (t = 10.71, df = 58, p<0.005). Significant associations were reported with family type, appearance of the breast and palpation in the experimental group and occupation, family type, frequency of breastfeeding and palpation in the control group. Gua-sha therapy was effective in reducing breast engorgement among primi para mothers.