Abstract
Background
Women's Retrospective work and clinical experience suggest that research is needed to better understand, manage, and treat women's pain during preterm childbirth remains poorly understood. Clinical experience and retrospective research suggest that difficulty diagnosing the onset of preterm labor may delay effective pain relief. However, our literature review found no prospective studies that directly examined women's multidimensional pain experiences during preterm labor or directly compared them with term birth. These knowledge gaps are best addressed using pain tools specifically developed/validated for childbirth, such as the Angle Labor Pain Questionnaire, the only multidimensional instrument developed/validated for measuring changes in labor pain. Previous validation research supports A-LPQ use during term labor; this study examined its performance in preterm labor.Methods
Two versions of the A-LPQ were administered in random order sequence during two Test sessions during early active unmedicated preterm labor. Overall pain intensity (Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), pain coping (Pain Mastery Scale (PMS)), and pain mapping were assessed during each Test. Changes in pain between Tests were examined using the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. Test-retest reliability, Cronbach's alpha, sensitivity to change/responsiveness, and concurrent validity were examined.Results
Sixty datasets were analyzed. A-LPQ Summary (total) and subscale scores demonstrated good to excellent test-retest reliability (ICC's 0.82 to 0.92, p .79), VRS (ρ >.68), and PMS scores (ρ >.67) supported concurrent validity. Concurrent validity of subscales was supported.Conclusions
Findings support A-LPQ use during preterm labor and in comparative studies with term labor.