Abstract
Introduction: Delayed episiotomy wound healing and its pain can culminate maternal complications. This study aimed to investigate the effect of propolis topical ointment on episiotomy pain severity (the primary outcome) and wound healing (the secondary outcome).
Methods: This triple-blinded randomized clinical trial conducted on 72 gravid 1 and 2 women (36 in the propolis group and 36 in the placebo group), referring to Taleghani Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, from April to December 2023. The intervention group received propolis, and the control group received a placebo in the perineal area twice a day, for 10 days. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, REEDA scale, and the Visual Analogue Scale during the first 12 hours and on the 10±1 postpartum day. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, Fisher’s exact test, the linear-by-linear chi-square test, and the Mann-Whitney U test. The modified intention-to-treat method was used.
Results: The means (SDs) of the REEDA score in the propolis and placebo groups were 0.7 (0.8) and 0.7 (0.7) on the first postpartum day and 0.5 (1.0) and 0.3 (0.7) on the 10th postpartum day respectively, indicating no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The means (SDs) of the VAS score in the propolis and placebo groups were 3.7 (2.3) and 3.3 (1.6) on the first postpartum day and 2.4 (2.1) and 2.0 (1.3) on the 10th postpartum day, respectively, showing no statistically significant difference between the two groups.
Conclusion: According to the results, propolis ointment does not increase wound healing rate or relieve episiotomy pain. Further research is recommended to confirm the study findings.