NCT06411652

The Effect of Foot Reflexology and Therapeutic Touch on Fatigue, Depression and Quality of Sexual Life in Women

The Effect of Foot Reflexology and Therapeutic Touch on Fatigue, Depression and Quality of Sexual Life in Women Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 108 (actual)
• Sponsor: Osmaniye Korkut Ata University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Female
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study aims to examine the effects of foot reflexology and therapeutic touch on fatigue, depression and sexual quality of life in women receiving hemodialysis treatment. Hemodialysis treatment may have negative effects on the quality of sexual life and mental health of female patients. In this context, understanding the potential healing effects of foot reflexology and therapeutic touch on sexual health and fatigue and depression in these individuals may contribute to the development of more effective support and treatment strategies.

Detailed description

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) stands out as a rapidly increasing important health problem globally. CKD is a universal public health priority associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality and excessive health care costs. The most common form of renal replacement therapy is hemodialysis. In patients with chronic kidney disease treated with hemodialysis, the disappearance of the survival advantage of women over men in the general population deeply affects the life experience of women. Among the additional difficulties that women face in this process compared to men, the inability to maintain their emotional resilience, failure to comply with treatment, and failure to meet their social support needs come to the fore. The problems caused by hemodialysis and chronic illness create a significant burden on women, both materially and spiritually, and negatively affect women's quality of life. Common and common conditions include sleep disorders, fatigue, depression and pain. In addition, higher levels of sexual dysfunction have been reported in women with hemodialysis, and it has been stated that loss of sexuality may reduce self-confidence and cause problems in marriage. Chronic hemodialysis patients, especially female patients, should be supported in terms of sexual dysfunctions and psychosocial conditions. Therefore, health professionals should evaluate the psychosocial lives of especially female patients and provide the necessary support. Health professionals' use of complementary approaches to reduce patients' problems and improve their negative emotional states increases the effectiveness of medical treatment. Reflexology and therapeutic touch are among the low-cost and complication-free nursing interventions. These nursing interventions can be used together with medical treatments to reduce stress and balance the body. Studies indicate that reflexology application and therapeutic touch can be effective in improving sexual function and positive emotions. However, when the literature is examined, it is observed that there are no studies evaluating therapeutic touch intervention in women receiving hemodialysis treatment, and reflexology studies are quite inadequate. Therefore, our study aims to examine the effects of foot reflexology and therapeutic touch on fatigue, depression and sexual quality of life in women receiving hemodialysis treatment.

Conditions

• Depression

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Reflexology	1. First, the patient's foot will be cleaned with cotton dipped in warm water, 2. In order not to disturb the patient, the hands will be warmed and one or two ccs of baby oil will be used to facilitate the massage. 3. Before applying the main technique, the first two minutes of each session will be spent using the relaxation technique, which involves back and forth movements with the palm of the palm on the outer edge of the foot, from the outer part of the ankle to the little toe, to relieve muscle tension and spasm. 4. Then, alternate pressure will be applied to the reflex points of the right thumb by taking the heel of one foot in the left hand.
OTHER	Therapeutic Touch	1. The procedure will be explained to the woman, 2. The procedure will be performed in the patient's bed. 3. The practitioner will center by making his body, mind and emotions quiet and focused, prepare himself for the practice and remain centered throughout the intervention, 4. There will be good intentions to help the woman get treatment, 5. In order to scan the energy field, the patient's entire body will be held with the palms of the practitioner's hands facing the patient, it will be moved with a soft movement from

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-02-27
• Primary completion: 2024-09-27
• Completion: 2024-09-27
• First posted: 2024-05-13
• Last updated: 2025-07-31

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)