Effect of Rebozo Technique on Labor Duration and Pain: A Meta-Analysis of Quasi-Experimental Studies from Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to conduct a meta-analysis of primary studies examining the effectiveness of reboza use during childbirth in Indonesia.

Methods: Systematic searches in 4 databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, WOS) were conducted between September and October 2024, without year restrictions. The impact of the rebozo technique during the second stage of labor on delivery duration and various outcomes was assessed using partographs and established evaluation scales. The meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.

Results: The meta-analysis was conducted utilizing the Python Pymeta module, encompassing 13 studies with a total of 575 pregnant women. The results revealed that the rebozo intervention during the active phase of labor significantly shortened the second stage of labor (standardized mean difference (SMD): −1.37, 95% CI: −2.35 to −0.40, Z = 2.76, P = .006), and alleviated pain (SMD: −1.44, 95% CI: −2.36 to −0.51, Z = 3.05, P = .002) in comparison to control groups. The difference observed between the groups was statistically significant. In the subgroup analysis, the comparison of pain levels before and after the intervention revealed a notable reduction in pain (SMD: −1.39, 95% CI: −1.79 to −1.00, Z = 6.87, P < .00001). However, the included studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias.

Conclusion: Meta-analysis shows that rebozo intervention during the active phase of labor reduces pain by shortening labor time. It is important to note that the studies included in this analysis were of moderate quality and exhibited considerable heterogeneity.

PROSPERO ID: CRD42024511922

Cite this article as: Karaahmet AY, Bilgiç FŞ, Alaybeyoğlu A. Effect of rebozo technique on labor duration and pain: A meta-analysis of quasi-experimental studies from Indonesia. Arch Health Sci Res. 2026, 13, 0026, doi:10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2026.25026.