Impact of Foot Reflexology Versus Simple Massage on Vital Signs, Anxiety, and Pain During Blood Transfusion Among Children With Thalassemia.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of foot reflexology versus simple massage on vital signs, anxiety, and pain in children with thalassemia undergoing blood transfusions.
Results Summary
Simple massage significantly reduced temperature, anxiety, and pain in children with thalassemia. It also showed a significant impact on systolic blood pressure and pain post-intervention, though foot reflexology was more effective overall.
Population
Children aged 2-13 years with thalassemia.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
foot reflexology | decrease | systolic and diastolic blood pressure | children with thalassemia | P < 0.05 | showed a significant difference | #1 |
foot reflexology | decrease | anxiety | children with thalassemia | P < 0.0001 | showed a highly significant difference | #2 |
foot reflexology | decrease | pain | children with thalassemia | P < 0.0001 | showed a highly significant difference | #3 |
simple massage | decrease | temperature | children with thalassemia | - | showed a significant effect | #4 |
simple massage | decrease | anxiety | children with thalassemia | - | showed a significant effect | #5 |
simple massage | decrease | pain | children with thalassemia | - | showed a significant effect | #6 |
foot reflexology | decrease | systolic blood pressure | children with thalassemia | P < 0.05 | demonstrated a significant impact | #7 |
foot reflexology | decrease | pain | children with thalassemia | P < 0.05 | demonstrated a significant impact | #8 |
simple massage | decrease | systolic blood pressure | children with thalassemia | P < 0.05 | demonstrated a significant impact | #9 |
simple massage | decrease | pain | children with thalassemia | P < 0.05 | demonstrated a significant impact | #10 |
foot reflexology | decrease | anxiety | children with thalassemia | - | was more effective in reducing | #11 |
foot reflexology | decrease | pain | children with thalassemia | - | was more effective in reducing | #12 |
foot reflexology | decrease | systolic and diastolic blood pressure | children with thalassemia | - | had a significant effect on | #13 |
simple massage | decrease | temperature | children with thalassemia | - | significantly affected | #14 |
Introduction Children with thalassemia often require repeated invasive treatments and frequent hospitalizations, resulting in pain, anxiety, and altered vital signs. Implementing non-invasive, non-pharmacological, and inexpensive complementary practices can benefit both the child and their family. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the impact of foot reflexology versus simple massage on vital signs, anxiety, and pain induced by blood transfusions in children with thalassemia. Materials and methods An experimental study was conducted on 60 children with thalassemia; children aged 2-13 years were selected by systematic random sampling. The participants were separated into two groups: 30 children received foot reflexology and 30 children received a simple massage. Data were collected using a self-structured demographic profile, vital signs record sheet, standard Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised (OSBD-R) scale, and visual analog scale (VAS). Paired and unpaired t-tests were used to evaluate the effects of the interventions. The chi-square test was utilized to evaluate the relationship between demographic and dependent variables. Result Foot reflexology showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and a highly significant difference (P < 0.0001) in anxiety and pain. The simple massage group showed a significant effect on temperature, anxiety, and pain. Both groups demonstrated a significant impact (P < 0.05) on systolic blood pressure and pain after the intervention. Conclusion Most children were diagnosed with thalassemia during infancy, had a history of both parent's thalassemia minor, and were Rh+ve. Foot reflexology was more effective in reducing anxiety and pain than simple massage. Additionally, foot reflexology had a significant effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, while simple massage significantly affected temperature in children with thalassemia.