EFFECTIVENESS OF FOOT REFLEXOLOGY ON PAIN AMONG HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS

Background:Hemodialysis is the most important treatment for chronic kidney disease. The occurrence of the negative symptoms of dialysis therapy such as pain, sleep disorder, depression, fluctuations in blood pressure reduce the Quality of life and cause the illness to be perceived as burdensome. Foot reflexology serves to relax, improve circulation and promote a general feeling of wellness among hemodialysis patients.

Aim:To assess the effectiveness of foot reflexology on pain among hemodialysis patients. Material& Methods:A quasi-experimental pretest posttest control group design was used. 302 patients underwent hemodialysis were selected from two hemodialysis center. Foot reflexology given for 2 weeks in an alternative day. Researcher used numerical pain rating scale for assessing the pain of hemodialysis patients.

Results:Inthestudygroupthepre-testmeanwas 7.15 withSDof2.29reducedto 2.02 with SD 1.97 in the post-test III which gives the evidence that therewas a significant difference between the observations P<0.001 on patients level of pain. In the control groupthepre-testmeanwas 7.08 withSDof2.25 and the posttest III mean was 6.25 with SD 1.70 which shows that therewas no significant difference between pre and posttest observations on patients level of pain. 

Conclusion:Foot reflexology is a safe and effective tool, which helps in reducing pain among hemodialysis patients. This study highlights the need for adopting foot reflexology as an effective therapy in hospital settings.