---

Background & Aim: In recent years, women's experience of disrespect and misconduct during childbirth has been raised as a significant problem around the world. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of disrespectful maternity care and its associated factors.
Methods & Materials: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 on 357 mothers who gave birth at hospitals affiliated to TUMS. The data collection tool included socio-demographic characteristics form, and the disrespectful maternity care questionnaire, measuring various domains of abuse. The questionnaire was completed by interviewing mothers. Data was analyzed using descriptive tests, Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression through the SPSS software version 24.
Results: All participants reported at least one form of disrespect, of which “not allowing for mobility, fluid and companion” was the most prevalent (99.7%) and “stigma and discrimination” was the least prevalent (4.5%). Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between older age, ethnic minority, primiparity, higher socioeconomic status, delivery time (night, day) and a history of illness with more experience of different forms of disrespect.
Conclusion: This study confirmed a relatively high prevalence of disrespectful maternity care in hospitals based on international standards, which requires serious and prompt attention of top-level managers to take action to eliminate or limit this type of behavior.
 

---

Background & Aim: The health of newborns and infants as the future makers of the country is of special importance. Today, the main benefits of breastfeeding for children, mothers and society have widely been recognized. Given the importance of self-efficacy in initiating and continuing breastfeeding, the present study was conducted to determine the effect of breastfeeding counseling with a spiritual approach on breastfeeding self-efficacy in primiparous women.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled trial study, 60 primiparous women referring to the childbirth preparation classes at Alavi Hospital, Azadegan Comprehensive Health Service Centers, Sina and Dr. Hazrati in Ardabil in 2019 were selected through the convenience sampling method and assigned to intervention or control groups using quadruple block method. The control group received routine care and the intervention group received eight sessions of breastfeeding counseling with a spiritual approach. Data was collected using the Dennis Lactation Self-efficacy Questionnaire and analyzed through the SPSS software version 16 using descriptive statistics, chi-square test and independent t-test at 95% confidence level.
Results: The mean scores of breastfeeding self-efficacy for the intervention and control groups were 27.48±5.83 and 28.23±4.44 (P=0.575) before the intervention, 39.83±10.14 and 25.33±3.62 (P<0.001) immediately after the intervention, 42.45±13.00 and 23.43±6.23 (P<0.001) one month after the intervention. There was a significant difference between the two groups after the intervention.
Conclusion: Employing spiritual approach in breastfeeding counseling was effective in improving the breastfeeding self-efficacy of primiparous women. The integration of spiritual content into the package of postpartum services with a focus on breastfeeding appears to be an appropriate measure that can be considered by planners in this area.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20150731023423N14
 

---

Background & Aim: Caring for children with congenital heart disease is very challenging for their parents, and the mothers of these children have a low quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of discharge planning on quality of life among mothers of children with congenital heart disease undergoing surgery.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, 72 mothers of children with congenital heart disease referred to Shahid Rajaie Cardiovascular center in Tehran in 2019 were included in the study using the continuous sampling method and non-randomly allocated to experimental or control groups (36 in each group). Data collection tool included demographic questions and the SF-36 questionnaire, which was completed before and two months after the intervention. The intervention was performed in six thirty-minute training sessions at the time of admission, during hospitalization and discharge. The training follow-up continued for two months after discharge. Data was analyzed by the SPSS software version 20 using Chi-Square test, independent t-test and Fisher's exact test.
Results: The mean score of quality of life before the intervention was 58.93±19.35 in the experimental group and 64.93±16.78 in the control group, and there was no significant difference between groups (P=0.165). Two months after the intervention, the mean score of quality of life was 73.44±17.81 in the experimental group and 73.67±16.49 in the control group, and there was no statistically significant difference between groups (P=0.956).
Conclusion: The discharge planning did not improve the mothers’ quality of life. It is suggested that in addition to educating about proper care of the child, psychological support be provided for mothers while implementing discharge planning.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20180501039489N3
 

---

Background & Aim: Changes in hemodynamic parameters can indicate the health status of individuals, and treatment measures cause changes in hemodynamic parameters, and affect the treatment process of patients. Different ways of distraction can have different effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of music distraction and movie-watching on hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing extracorporeal lithotripsy.
Methods & Materials: A quasi-experimental study with a three-group, before and after design was performed on 90 patients undergoing extracorporeal lithotripsy in the lithotripsy unit of Ayatollah Kashani hospital affiliated to Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Patients were selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly allocated into three groups. The intervention included visual and auditory distraction. Data was collected before and after the intervention using demographic characteristics questionnaire, calibrated mercury blood pressure monitor, and pulse oximeter. Descriptive statistical tests (mean and standard deviation, percentage, frequency) and inferential tests (paired t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient and analysis of variance) through the SPSS software version 16 were used to analyze the data.
Results: Analysis of variance showed that the mean scores of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation in the auditory, visual and control groups were not significantly different before the intervention (P>0.05). Also, the mean scores of these variables in auditory, visual and control groups were not significantly different after the intervention (P>0.05). Paired t-test also showed the mean scores of pulse rate (P=0.133), systolic (P=0.159) and diastolic blood pressure (P=0.413), and oxygen saturation (P=0.083) did not have significant differences after the intervention compared to before the intervention between the groups.
Conclusion: According to the results, music and movie-watching did not have a significant effect on hemodynamic parameters of patients undergoing lithotripsy. Due to the lack of confirmatory studies, further research is needed on lithotripsy patients.
 

---

Background & Aim: Health promotion nursing activities for the elderly with COPD is different in various health care structures, and research in this area can help to identify the existing knowledge gap. The aim of this study was to determine health promotion nursing activities for the elderly with COPD.
Methods & Materials: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020. A total of 180 nurses working in teaching hospitals affiliated to Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and a researcher-made questionnaire on health promotion nursing activities for the elderly with COPD. The data was analyzed through the SPSS software version 18 using t-test, ANOVA and multivariate regression.
Results: The mean age of nurses was 34.58±8.05 years, 84.4% were female and 70.6% were married. The mean score of health promotion nursing activities was 197.10±37.90. Among the dimensions related to health promotion activities, “drugs/smoking cessation” (34.4%) and “self-empowerment” (32.8%) had the lowest frequency. There was a significant relationship between health promotion nursing activities with the work place (P=0.034), age (P<0.001), gender (P=0.022) and marital status (P=0.014).
Conclusion: The health promotion nursing activities for the elderly with COPD was above moderate levels. In-service training programs and internal conferences are needed especially in the area of ​​counseling behaviors and smoking cessation in order to improve the professional competency of nurses.
 

---

Background & Aim: COVID-19 as an emerging disease has many psychological effects, including anxiety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of face-to-face awareness training on anxiety of patients with COVID-19.
Methods & Materials: In this study, 90 hospitalized patients in the hospitals affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2020 were selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of intervention and control (45 people in each group). The DASS-21 anxiety and demographic information questionnaire were completed by both groups before the intervention. The face to face awareness sessions were provided during two 30-minute sessions at 24-hour intervals for the intervention group and the DASS-21 questionnaire was completed again by the patients one day after the second session. The control group received the routine information of the ward and completed the questionnaire again. The SPSS software version 21 was used for the data analysis by descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: The results showed that before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean anxiety scores between the intervention (12.71±9.20) and control (14.71±7.08) groups. But after the intervention, a significant difference was observed in the mean scores between the intervention (5.68±5.64) and control (12.75±6.19) groups (P˂0.05).
Conclusion: This study revealed that face-to-face awareness training can reduce anxiety in patients with COVID-19 and can be used in medical centers.

 

---

Background & Aim: Pain during vascular access is an integral part of the life of hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of topical ginger on pain following needle insertion into the arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 100 hemodialysis patients were selected from two hospitals in Shahroud in 2019 and were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. For the intervention group, ginger ointment was used 20 minutes before needle insertion into the arteriovenous fistula. The control group only received routine care. Patients' pain after needle insertion was assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 18 and Chi-square, Fisher, and independent t-tests.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean and standard deviation of pain scores between the control (8.46±1.26) and intervention (5.08±1.29) groups (P<0.001). While most people in the intervention group experienced moderate pain, most people in the control group had severe pain.
Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the use of topical ginger, which is cheap with almost no side effects, can reduce the severity of pain following needle insertion into the arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients, and its use in hemodialysis wards is recommended.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20190825044608N1
 

---

Background & Aim: Covid-19 is an emerging disease that has become a health crisis in the world and affected various aspects of human’s life. Understanding the experience of patients with this disease is essential for proper and comprehensive care. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of patients recovered from Covid-19.
Methods & Materials: The present study was a qualitative study with an interpretive phenomenological approach that was conducted in 2021. For this purpose, 13 patients recovered from Covid-19 were selected using the purposive sampling method based on the inclusion criteria. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. The interviews were recorded. Having transcribed the interviews, the transcripts were analyzed by a hermeneutic approach using the Van Manen method.
Results: Data analysis revealed four main themes: "fear of imminent death", "living in a fence", "family worries", and "the limitations suffering".
Conclusion: Patients’ experiences of being infected with Covid-19 showed that the disease affected the physical, psychological, economic, social and family dimensions of individuals. Therefore, understanding the challenges, experiences and concerns of patients about the disease, can help executive decision-makers, healthcare providers and mental health professionals to comprehensively understand the consequences of the disease.
 

---

Background & Aim: Self-care and self-management, as two effective strategies play an effective role in controlling pain and quality of life. Therefore, considering the characteristics and dimensions of these two concepts, this study aimed to compare the effect of self-care education and pain self-management on the nature of pain and quality of life in patients with sickle cell disease.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial study, 75 patients with sickle cell disease, referred to the thalassemia clinic of Baqaei hospital 2 in Ahvaz and Shahid Beheshti hospital in Abadan, were selected and randomly divided into three groups of 25 people (self-care, pain self-management and control groups). The two intervention groups (self-care and pain self-management) were divided into groups of five people, and received specific training during four sessions for three months. The nature of pain and quality of life of patients were assessed four times (before the intervention, one month, two months and three months after the intervention) using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and Quality of Life Questionnaire. The SPSS software version 22 was used to analyze the data.
Results: The results showed that pain self-management and self-care programs were effective in improving the quality of life and pain of patients with sickle cell. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two intervention groups in the nature of pain and quality of life.
Conclusion: Self-care and pain self-management have similar effects on reducing patients’ pain and improving their quality of life.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20160726029086N5
 

---

Background & Aim: Nurses constitute the majority of the workforce in the healthcare system. The use of digital technologies, including mHealth applications, is essential and effective in improving the quality level of healthcare services provided by nursing staff. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study is to investigate the use of mHealth applications for professional purposes by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods & Materials: This is an applied study conducted using the descriptive, cross-sectional method in 2021. The study population was nurses in four public hospitals in Isfahan. The sampling method was a one-stage cluster sampling. The data collection tool was a questionnaire whose validity and reliability was assessed. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics on the SPSS software version 26.
Results: The data of 93 questionnaires were analyzed. About 63 percent of nurses answered (with a reason) that they did not use these applications. This study showed that the use of mHealth applications is not common among the nurses. They need the training to use the applications. There were concerns regarding the mHealth applications' quality. The nurses believed that using a mHealth application would help them perform their nursing duties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion: Based on the study results, planning for the development of mHealth applications tailored to the nurses' needs and training nurses to use the applications in clinical settings are recommended. There is also a need to provide and develop specialized evaluation tools and working groups to review and report on the quality of mHealth applications.

 

---

Background & Aim: Compliance with health behaviors during pregnancy plays an important role in the health of mothers and their neonates. The aim of the study was to determine factors predicting adherence to COVID-19 health protocols among pregnant women in Zanjan province in 2020.
Methods & Materials: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 2336 pregnant women referred to comprehensive health centers in Zanjan province in 2020. The samples were selected by the multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected by telephone using a researcher-designed questionnaire on health practices and overall perception of COVID-19 disease. To analyze the data, descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression model were used at the confidence level of 95% through the SPSS software version 16.
Results: Most women were in the second trimester of pregnancy and living in the urban areas. Considering the median score as a cutting point, the participants’ adherence level was 46.5% over the median score and at a desirable level. The handwashing adherence was 84.7% and mask use was 76.6%. Location, age, education, occupation, household income, and family history of COVID-19 disease were the most important predictors of compliance with COVID-19 health protocols (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Adherence to health protocols was at a relatively desirable level in almost half of the participants. It is suggested that education and support programs be designed and implemented for young and low-income groups living in rural areas.

 

---

Background & Aim: Due to the importance of breastfeeding in the health of premature infants, the present study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of telephone counseling on the continuity and breastfeeding status of mothers with late preterm infants.
Methods & Materials: In this randomized controlled trial, 65 eligible mothers from Ahvaz in 2019-2020 were selected using the convenience sampling method and divided into two intervention and control groups using block randomization (with block sizes of 4). The routine care was provided for the control group. The intervention group received a daily telephone support counseling for 14 days after discharge. Data were collected using a questionnaire on the continuity of breastfeeding and breastfeeding status at the pre-counseling phase and then monthly up to four months after discharge. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent t-tests and Kaplan Meyer survival analysis at a significance level of 0.05 through the SPSS software version 16.
Results: According to Kaplan Meyer survival analysis, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding interruption in the control group was higher than that of in the intervention group (5 vs. 8) but it was not statistically significant. Improvement of breastfeeding status one month after discharge was significantly different between the two groups (P=0.048).
Conclusion: The results showed that telephone support counseling was effective in improving breastfeeding status up to the first month after discharge. Continuous telephone support counseling can be a good approach to improving breastfeeding and its continuity in the first month after discharge.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20150731023423N13

 

---

Background & Aim: Reduced quality of life and self-efficacy are among problems of mothers of children with chronic diseases. This study aimed to determine the effect of empowerment based on the Gibson model on self-efficacy and quality of life in the mothers of children with thalassemia.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, the study population were the mothers of children with thalassemia referred to rare disease clinics in Rafsanjan and Kerman in 2020. The sample size was 25. Mothers were selected by the convenience sampling method and divided into two groups. In the intervention group, mothers participated in five training sessions based on the Gibson model, and in the control group, mothers received routine care. Data collection tools included the Zhang’s self-efficacy questionnaire and the SF-36 which were completed before the intervention and six weeks after the intervention. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent and paired t-test via the SPSS software version 18.
Results: Before the intervention, the mean score of self-efficacy (P=0.31) and quality of life (P=0.47) were not statistically significant between the groups, but after the intervention, the mean score of self-efficacy in the intervention group (68.81±9.36) was significantly higher than that of in the control group (44.69±6.87) (P<0.001). But there was no significant difference in the mean score of quality of life between the intervention (60.64±10.08) and control (56.19±11.41) groups after the intervention (P=0.19).
Conclusion: According to the results, empowerment based on the Gibson model is an appropriate method for improving self-efficacy in the mothers of children with thalassemia. However, further studies are recommended about its effect on quality of life.

 

---

Background & Aim: Performing daily activities is a major element of quality of life in heart failure patients. The Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) is a tool to measure factional capacity. We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the DASI in patients with heart failure.
Methods & Materials: In this methodological study using convenience sampling, we included 120 patients with heart failure referred to the heart clinic of Afshar hospital, Yazd in 2018.  We first translated the original DASI to Farsi using forward and backward translation method. Then, we evaluated its face validity, content validity, criterion-related validity, construct validity (Exploratory Factor Analysis), and reliability (internal consistency).
Results: In quantitative content validity, the content validity index and content validity ratio were confirmed. The criterion-related validity was confirmed using the Spearman correlation coefficient between the New York Heart Association functional classification scores and the DASI score (r=-0.77, P<0.001) with a significant correlation. To assess construct validity, exploratory factor analysis revealed two factors, explaining 52.61% of the total variance. Factor 1 included items with high MET values and factor 2 included those with low MET values. The reliability of the DASI was determined using the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient that was 0.81.
Conclusion: The DASI is of good validity and reliability and due to its appropriate psychometric properties, this tool can be used to evaluate the functional status of patients with heart failure.

 

---

Background & Aim: Cultural competence is one of the main components of health care. Attention to cultural competence is essential to reduce healthcare inequalities and identify potential for improving healthcare delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate cultural competence and its related factors in health care providers working in comprehensive health centers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS).
Methods & Materials: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 250 health care providers working in health centers affiliated with TUMS were selected using the convenience sampling method in 2020. The demographic characteristics form and the cultural competence scale for health workers (CCSN) were used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests (t-test and ANOVA) through the SPSS software version 16 at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: The mean total score of cultural competence in health care providers was 162.66±28.41 (range: 33-231). According to the findings, the mean score of cultural competence for all dimensions was desirable. The mean score of cultural competence had a statistically significant relationship with intra-ethnic marriage (P>0.005) and work experience (P=0.012) while no statistically significant difference was observed with other demographic variables.
Conclusion: The study results showed that cultural competence in health care providers was at the desirable level. These results may be useful for managers and planners in the development and management of human resources and quality assurance of health services delivery.

 

---

Background & Aim: Although pain control in patients with burns has improved over recent years, the ineffectiveness of some treatments to reduce pain in this group of patients remains a challenging issue for health care professionals. This systematic review was conducted to investigate nursing interventions in the field of pain relief in burn patients.
Methods & Materials: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, relevant information was searched from databases PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Irandoc, SID, and Cochrane library with keywords nursing interventions, pain, burns and their equivalent Persian keywords in the period 2010-2020. To increase the validity and reliability of the study, three people evaluated the quality of the articles separately and Jedad criterion was used to evaluate the articles.
Results: After assessing 181 articles on the databases, 19 articles were systeatically reviewed. Nursing interventions to reduce pain in burn patients included using breathing techniques, new dressings, muscle relaxation, music therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), electrical brain stimulation, play therapy, aromatherapy, use of Zekr Allah, massage, guided imagery, distraction techniques, and eye movement desensitization. In eight meta-analyses, total mean differences of pain relief score were estimated 1.28 (0.95% CI: 0.78-1.78).
Conclusion: Most nursing interventions reduced pain in burn patients. Easier-to-use pain relief techniques such as muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and spiritual care are emphasized.

 

---

Background & Aim: Physiological and psychological needs of intensive care unit (ICU) patients are not met due to lack of effective communication. To facilitate communication, nurses can use augmentative and alternative communication strategies (AACs). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of using these strategies on the quality of nurses’ communication with patients with endotracheal intubation in the cardiac surgery intensive care units.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental intervention study with before-after design, 70 patients (35 at each stage) who were unable to communicate verbally after heart surgery due to intubation were recruited by the convenience sampling method, and also 10 nurses in the cardiac surgery ICU were randomly selected. In the pre-intervention stage, nurses communicated with patients using conventional methods, and after training in the post-intervention stage, using AACs. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through the SPSS software version 22.
Results: The lowest content of communication in the pre- and post-intervention stages was related to emotions, the frequency of which was higher in the post-intervention stage compared to the pre-intervention stage. The most commonly used methods in the post-intervention phase were the communication board and head gesture. In both stages, communication was mostly initiated by the patient. In the post-intervention stage, the number of times the nurse started the communication increased (P<0.05). In the post-intervention phase, patients’ and nurses’ satisfaction with communication increased (P=0.0001).
Conclusion: Training nurses about AACs and using them for the ICU patients increase the success of communication and patients’ and nurses’ satisfaction with communication. Therefore, the use of these strategies in these wards is recommended to nurses and nursing managers.

 

---

Background & Aim: Decreased sleep quality is one of the most common complications of radiotherapy in cancer patients. Although soaking feet in warm water and foot reflexology are two easy, inexpensive, and accessible ways to improve sleep quality, which one is more effective, has not been evaluated in existing studies. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of soaking feet in warm water and foot reflexology on sleep quality in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Methods & Materials: This two-group randomized clinical trial was conducted on 62 cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy at Reza (AS) Medical Center in Mashhad in 2020. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of soaking feet in warm water and reflexology. In the group of soaking feet in warm water, patients soaked their feet in 41 °C water for 20 minutes every night from the seventh day after starting radiotherapy for two weeks. In the foot reflexology group, the intervention was performed from the seventh day after starting radiotherapy for two weeks every night for 10 minutes for each foot in three areas including solar plexus, pituitary gland and pineal gland. Sleep quality score was assessed using the Petersburg Sleep Quality Questionnaire on the seventh day of radiotherapy (pre-test) and then 7, 14 and 28 days later. Data were analyzed by the SPSS software version 20 using descriptive/inferential statistics.
Results: The results showed the total score of sleep quality in the two groups decreased significantly over time (P<0.001), and this reduction was from 13.81±1.33 on the pre-test day to 4.86±1.73 on the day 28 for the reflexology group, and from 13.55±1.23 to 7.92±1.97 for the group of soaking feet in warm water. It should be noted that a decrease in the score of Petersburg questionnaire means an improvement in sleep quality.
Conclusion: Foot reflexology and soaking feet in warm water improve sleep quality in patients undergoing radiotherapy but foot reflexology is more effective in improving sleep quality. Therefore, using this method is recommended.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20190625044009N1

 

---

Background & Aim: Identifying the factors affecting the quality of life in postmenopausal women will help to design and implement the quality of life-improving interventions tailored to these women’s needs. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the educational phase of the PRECEDE model and the quality of life among postmenopausal women.
Methods & Materials: The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 240 postmenopausal women in Asadabad in 2021. The data collection tool included demographic information, the menopause-specific quality of Life questionnaire (MENQOL), and a questionnaire based on educational phase constructs of the PRECEDE model about menopause and behaviors related to the control of menopause complications. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 16.
Results: The mean score of quality of life in the women was 72.72±23.15. Perceived self-efficacy (β=-0.367, P<0.001) and attitude (β=-0.155, P=0.009) were significant predictors of quality of life. The educational phase constructs of the PRECEDE model explained about 33.6% of the variance of quality of life among the postmenopausal women in Asadabad.
Conclusion: Educational phase constructs of the PRECEDE model are useful for identifying the factors affecting the quality of life in postmenopausal women, and designing educational interventions in this area. It is recommended promoting self-efficacy (to perform behaviors related to the control of menopause complications) and improving attitude toward menopause to be integrated into all educational interventions designed and implemented to improve the quality of life in postmenopausal women.

 

---

Background & Aim: Anxiety and hemodynamic changes are common complications of surgeries. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of foot reflexology massage on overt anxiety and physiological parameters of patients undergoing tibia plaque surgery.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial study, 96 eligible patients who were candidates for Tibia plaque surgery, referred to Imam Ali (AS) Teaching Hospital in Bojnourd in the spring of 2016, were selected by the convenience sampling method. Then, they were randomly divided into two groups of 48 people: experiment and control. For the experiment group, one hour before the operation, the foot reflexology massage was performed for 10 minutes. For the control group, the foot was touched for 2 minutes. Patients’ anxiety was measured using the Spielberger Manifest Anxiety Questionnaire before and one hour after the intervention, and patients’ physiological parameters were measured before and after the intervention and at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours after the surgery. To compare and analyze the data, chi-square tests for qualitative variables and t-test, Mann-Whitney test and Repeated Measure ANOVA for quantitative variables were used on the SPSS software version 21.
Results: This study showed that the average score of anxiety after the intervention was significantly different in both the control and experiment groups (P=0.038). Also, Foot reflexology massage significantly reduced systolic blood pressure after the intervention (P=0.039) and 4 hours after the surgery (P=0.007), and also reduced diastolic blood pressure immediately after the intervention (P=0.001). Heart rate decreased significantly at all measured times after the intervention (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Foot reflexology massage can reduce overt anxiety and improve physiological parameters of patients undergoing tibia plaque surgery. Therefore, this method can be used for reducing anxiety in the patients candidate for orthopedic surgery.
Clinical trial registry: IRCT20200502047265N1