Perceived Comfort of Post-Caesarean Section Patients Based on Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory

Abstract

Introduction: Comfort is an important aspect of recovery for post-cesarean section patients, but the experience of comfort is individual and influenced by physical, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual conditions. Based on Kolcaba’s Comfort Theory, comfort encompasses three contexts: relief, ease, and transcendence. This study aims to explore the comfort experiences of post-cesarean section patients based on these three contexts. Methods: This study used a qualitative descriptive design involving six participants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observation, then analyzed qualitatively using Open Code 4.02 software. Result: The results showed that (1) relief was experienced through reduced pain after analgesic administration, gradual mobilization, and support from nurses; (2) ease was experienced after receiving explanations about postoperative condition, family support, and spiritual activities, although anxiety related to the surgical wound or previous surgical experiences was still found; (3) in transcendence, participants demonstrated the ability to adapt through gratitude, self-acceptance, and a focus on the baby’s safety. Discussion: The comfort of relief, ease, and transcendence is influenced by time and individual adaptation experiences; therefore, nursing interventions are tailored based on these three contexts. Conclusion: Patients’ experiences of comfort following a cesarean section exhibited dynamic and contextual patterns, meaning that not all dimensions of comfort were fully experienced. Recommendation: Therefore, nursing interventions are tailored based on these three contexts.