Betel Leaf Decoction as an Antiseptic for Perineal Wound Healing

Perineal wound after delivery often causes infection. Perineal wound care can be done by washing the wound using an antiseptic solution. This study is aimed to compare the affectivity of betel leaf decoction for Perineal Wound Healing with the well-known antiseptic, 10% povidone iodine solution. We employed a quasy-experimental research design with non-randomized repeated measure with control group and post-test design. A total of thirty-four normal postpartum women with spontaneous delivery were recruited from a health centers in Banyuurip, Purworejo district, in December 2013 to February 2014, using a purposive sampling technique. The respondents were then distributed equally to control and experimental group. The normal postpartum women at the experimental group obtained betel leaf decoction for the wound recovery whilst the control group washed the wound with a 10%-povidone iodine solution. Either betel leaf decoction or a 10%- povidone iodine solution was given 20ml/day for washing the wound 2 times a day. By the result, we revealed the betel leaf decoction was effectively as 10% povidone iodine solution to heal the perineal wound regarding to the upper arm circumference (UAC), duration of perineal wound recovery, and Hg Level. As the conclusion we recommend betel leaf decoction as a natural antiseptic for perineal wound healing among the normal postpartum women