Chronic kidney disease represents a significant public health issue both in Türkiye and worldwide, with the majority of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Individuals receiving hemodialysis often experience not only physical discomfort but also psychological distress, including heightened anxiety and reduced comfort. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of stress ball use on comfort, anxiety, and patient satisfaction among hemodialysis patients. The stress ball is a simple and cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention that aids individuals in managing stress by redirecting their attention. Notably, this study is unique in simultaneously investigating comfort, anxiety, and satisfaction parameters within this patient population.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
36
All hemodialysis patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be asked to squeeze a stress ball during their dialysis sessions (3 times a week for 1 month, totaling 12 sessions). Anxiety, comfort, and patient satisfaction levels will be assessed using three measurements: a pre-test before the intervention, a mid-test at the end of the 6th session (2nd week), and a post-test after the 12th session. Patients will be instructed to use the stress ball throughout their dialysis session. They will be asked to squeeze the ball for at least 10-15 minutes during each session.
The hemodialysis patients in the control group will not use the stress ball and will receive standard care throughout the study period. Similar to the intervention group, levels of anxiety, comfort, and patient satisfaction will be assessed at three time points: prior to the intervention (pre-test), at the end of the second week (after the 6th session), and at the end of the fourth week (post-test, after the 12th session).
Bitlis State Hospital
Bitlis, Tatvan, Turkey (Türkiye)
Level of anxiety
The anxiety levels of patients included in the study will be assessed prior to the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The VAS scores will be categorized as follows: low anxiety (0-3), moderate anxiety (4-6), and high anxiety (7-10).
Time frame: 1 month
Patient's comfort
The comfort levels of patients using the stress ball during the hemodialysis procedure will be assessed using the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale. The minimum score obtainable from the scale (20) indicates low comfort, while the maximum score (100) reflects high comfort.
Time frame: 1 month
Level of patient satisfaction
Patient satisfaction during the hemodialysis procedure among those using the stress ball will be assessed using the Visual Analog Patient Satisfaction Scale. VAS scores will be categorized as follows: low satisfaction (0-3), moderate satisfaction (4-6), and high satisfaction (7-10).
Time frame: 1 month
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.