International Journal of Nursing

Effect of Reflexology Foot Message on Fatigue level for Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Rasha Hassan Abass Shady, Hala Mohamed Abdelhamed Ali

Abstract
Background: Fatigue is common problems in patients undergoing hemodialysis. It often results in the early termination of a hemodialysis session. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of reflexology foot message on fatigue level for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: It was conducted at the hemodialysis units of Mansoura University Hospital and Esalam El-Dawly Hospital. The sample included 72 adult patients undergoing hemodialysis, divided equally into study and control groups, 36 patients each. Three tools were used to collect necessary data, hemodialysis patient's assessment, fatigue intensity scale and fatigue assessment. Results: The findings of the study revealed that there was no statistical significant difference between the study and control groups in relation to fatigue intensity, duration, alleviating factors, and frequency before interventions. While, patients on hemodialysis experienced significantly decreased fatigue intensity, duration and frequency throughout the nine massage sessions among the studied patients over the control groups. Conclusion: This study concluded that hemodialysis patients who receive reflexology foot massage had significant decrease in fatigue intensity. In addition to the improvement of physical activities, emotional wellbeing, sleeping pattern and social activities. Recommendation: This study recommended that reflexology foot massage should be used as evidence base for nursing practice with patients on hemodialysis.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v6n1a17