Effectiveness of heifer skin taptechnique in reducing pain among infants receiving dpt immunization

Pain is a common and a ubiquitous sensation for both Children & adult. Routine Immunization is the most frequent painful medical procedure during childhood. Since pain is harmful to children, Thus care givers are committed in preventing harm to their patients. Skin tapping (Heifer Skin Tap Technique) is one of the methods which Keeps the muscle relaxed and thus reduce pain while administering injection.

The aim of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of Heifer Skin Tap Technique in reducing pain among infants receiving DPT immunization in GGSMH, Faridkot, Punjab.

A quantitative research approach and quasi experimental post test design was used and 60 infants were selected through convenient sampling. Standardized FLACC pain scale was used to collect data.

Majority (26.7%) of the infants in the experimental group perceived moderate pain, 18.3% perceived mild pain and only 5% had severe pain during DPT immunization using Heifer Skin Tap Technique at p<0.0.5. Among conventional group 28.3% of the infants had moderate pain, 11.7% perceived severe pain and only 10% had mild pain during DPT immunization using conventional care or routine technique at p<0.05. There is significant decrease in pain score in Heifer Skin Tap Technique group as compared to conventional care group. There is significant association of level of pain with age of infants with p<0.05.

It is concluded that Heifer's Skin Tap Technique is significantly effective in decreasing pain sensation in infants during immunization of DPT.