A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Helfer Skin Tap Technique on Physio-behavioral Parameters during Immunization among Infants at S.V.B.P. Hospital, Meerut

Abstract

Background: Immunization is a cornerstone of child health, but intramuscular injections often cause significant pain and distress in infants. The Helfer Skin Tap Technique (HSTT) is a simple, nurse-led, non-pharmacological method that may reduce pain perception.

Objectives: To assess the physio-behavioral responses of infants undergoing intramuscular injection without intervention (control group), evaluate the effectiveness of HSTT in reducing pain among infants (experimental group), and determine the association between demographic variables and physio-behavioral responses.

Methods: A quasi-experimental post-test only control group design was adopted. Sixty infants (9 months) attending immunization OPD at S.V.B.P. Hospital, Meerut, were purposively sampled and randomly assigned to experimental (HSTT) and control groups. Pain was measured using the Modified FLACC Scale, including physiological parameters (pulse rate, respiration rate) and behavioral indicators (face, legs, activity, cry, Consolability).

Results: The mean pain score of the experimental group was significantly lower (7.97 ± 1.73) compared to the control group (12.4 ± 0.96). An independent t-test showed a highly significant difference (t = 12.30, p < 0.05). No significant association was found between pain scores and demographic variables.

Conclusion: Helfer skin tap technique is an effective, safe, and low-cost intervention for reducing pain during infant immunization. Its integration into routine practice can improve the quality of pediatric nursing care and parental satisfaction.