Early Mobilisation and Maternal Pain Intensity After Caesarean Section: A Study at the Eduardo Ximenes Regional Hospital in Baucau, Timor-Leste

Eurosia Maria Sales; Dhesi Ari Astuti; Anjarwati

doi:10.56741/IISTR.jphs.002038

Authors

Eurosia Maria Sales
eurosia.m.sales@gmail.com
Institut Superior Cristal
Dhesi Ari Astuti Universitas Aisyiyah Yogyakarta https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2325-6346
Anjarwati Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0566-1866

Keywords:

Early Mobilisation, Caesarean Section, Maternal Pain, Postoperative Recovery, Timor-Leste

Abstract

Caesarean section is a major surgical procedure that commonly results in postoperative pain and may delay maternal recovery. Early mobilisation is a nonpharmacological strategy intended to support functional recovery and potentially reduce pain intensity. This study examined the association between mobilisation timing and pain reduction among mothers after caesarean section at Eduardo Ximenes Regional Hospital, Baucau, Timor-Leste. A cross-sectional correlational design was used. Sixty-eight post-caesarean mothers were recruited through quota sampling from April 7 to June 23, 2025. Early mobilisation was defined as initiation of gradual physical activity within 4 to <10 hours after surgery, while delayed mobilisation occurred within 10 to <24 hours. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale before and after mobilisation. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test were applied. Most participants initiated mobilisation early (89.7%), and 97.1% experienced pain reduction. Pain reduction occurred in 60 of 61 mothers (98.4%) in the early-mobilisation group and 6 of 7 mothers (85.7%) in the delayed group. However, the association between mobilisation timing and pain reduction was not statistically significant (p = 0.197). Maternal age and parity were also not significantly associated with mobilisation timing or pain reduction. All participants received analgesia, and the delayed-mobilisation group was small; therefore, the observed difference should be interpreted cautiously and not causally. These findings suggest that early mobilisation may be incorporated as one component of post-caesarean recovery care, while pain outcomes should be interpreted alongside concurrent analgesic, clinical, and psychosocial factors.

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Author Biographies

Eurosia Maria Sales, Institut Superior Cristal

is affiliated with Instituto Superior Cristal, Dili, Timor-Leste, and Universitas Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Her academic and research interests focus on maternal and reproductive health, postoperative care, pain management, and recovery following caesarean section. Her current research examines the role of early mobilization in reducing maternal pain and supporting postoperative recovery among women undergoing caesarean delivery in Timor-Leste. (email: eurosia.m.sales@gmail.com).

Dhesi Ari Astuti, Universitas Aisyiyah Yogyakarta

is a lecturer at Universitas Aisyiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia, with a strong commitment to advancing the field of midwifery. She is actively engaged in research and has contributed to various reputable journals, particularly in maternal and child health, midwifery education development, and healthcare service improvement. Through her teaching and research, she promotes evidence-based midwifery practices and mentors students and health practitioners to deliver quality care focused on maternal and child well-being. (email: dhesi@unisayogya.ac.id).

Anjarwati, Universitas 'Aisyiyah Yogyakarta

is an accomplished education scientist and a senior lecturer at ‘Aisyiyah University of Yogyakarta, located in Nogotirto, Indonesia. She has dedicated her career to advancing the field of education through her research, teaching, and community outreach. She completed her undergraduate degree in Education at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta. After completing her Bachelor's degree, she pursued her Master's degree in Education Science from the same institution. She has been teaching there for many years and has gained a reputation as a skilled and dedicated educator. She has also contributed significantly to the field of education through her research. (email: anjarwati@unisayogya.ac.id).

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