The aim of the study is to determine the effect of therapeutic touch on functional constipation in infants and young children.
Functional constipation (FK) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder that affects children's quality of life. The reported prevalence of functional constipation in infants and young children varies according to diagnostic criteria between studies. Laxatives and probiotics are commonly used to treat functional constipation. Therefore, treating constipation is very costly and there is not enough reliable data on this subject. When the literature is examined, the use of non-pharmacological methods to reduce, prevent and eliminate constipation has been increasing recently. When the studies were examined, studies using different methods were found. The main methods used in the care of children with constipation are; massage, aromatherapy, probiotics, laxatives, reflexology and acupuncture. The effect of therapeutic touch is thought to have positive results, especially in newborns, infants and children.Based on the studies conducted in line with the literature, this research has a randomized controlled experimental design to determine the effect of therapeutic touch applied to infants and children diagnosed with functional constipation according to Rome IV criteria on constipation. This study is a prospective, randomized and controlled trial. The study population consisted of infants and children aged 6 to 24 months. Sample of the study consisted of a total of 60 children who met the sample selection criteria and were selected via randomization method. Children were randomized into two groups: intervention gorup (n=30) and control group (n=30). Data were collected using the Interview and Observation Form, Primary Results Follow-up Form, and Bristol stool form scale.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
60
Therapeutic Touch will be applied to infants for 3 consecutive days, once a day, 10 minutes at any time during the day. There will be a four-day break. The Therapeutic Touch will be done a total of 3 times a week in four weeks.
Burdur Bucak State Hospital
Burdur, Bucak, Turkey (Türkiye)
Primary Results Follow-up Form
Weekly Bowel sounds (movements) (min)
Time frame: In four weeks
Primary Results Follow-up Form
Number of stools
Time frame: In four weeks
Primary Results Follow-up Form
Stool density
Time frame: In four weeks
Primary Results Follow-up Form
Weight (g)
Time frame: In four weeks
Primary Results Follow-up Form
Abdominal circumference (cm)
Time frame: In four weeks
Bristol Stool Scale
In this scoring system, stool hardness is evaluated from the hardest to the softest, according to the adhesion and cracking characteristics of the stool. In this scoring system, stool hardness is from the hardest to the softest, according to the adhesion and cracking characteristics of the stool; is divided into seven classes: hard scattered tubers like hazelnuts:Type 1, sausage-shaped but lumpy:Type 2, like a sausage but with cracks on the surface:Type 3, smooth and soft like a sausage or snake:Type 4, soft grains with obvious cuts on the edges:Type 5, mushy stool with irregular edges and fluid pieces:Type 6, watery, with no solid pieces, and completely liquid:Type 7. Type 1 and Type 2 are difficult defecation patterns and suggest the presence of constipation, Type 3, Type 4 and Type 5 indicate normal defecation, and Type 6 and Type 7 suggest diarrhea.
Time frame: In four weeks
Constipation discomfort
Child's Distress Intensity: The child's discomfiture intensity during defecation will be defined. (0-3 points: "0" no crying or grimace, "1" mild crying and grimace, "2" moderate crying and grimace, "3" hysterical intense crying and grimace.) (Zhang et al., 2022).
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Time frame: In four weeks