REFLEXOLOGY AND SLEEP HYGIENE IN HEMODIALYSIS TREATMENT (HD)

Kibrıs Aydin Üniversitesi60 enrolled

Overview

Sleep problems are common in people undergoing dialysis treatment due to kidney failure. Methods other than medication can be used to improve this condition. For example, reflexology, a foot massage technique, and sleep training can be helpful. This study investigated the effects of reflexology and sleep training on sleep quality and comfort in dialysis patients in Cyprus. The results showed that both reflexology and sleep training improved patients' sleep and overall comfort. However, reflexology was found to be more effective than the other methods. Objective: To improve sleep quality and comfort in dialysis patients. Method: Reflexology (foot massage) and sleep training were applied. Findings: Both methods improved sleep and comfort. Conclusion: Reflexology was found to be more effective than sleep training.

Study Design: This study was designed as a pre-test-post-test controlled experimental clinical trial. Objective: To evaluate the effects of reflexology and sleep hygiene training on sleep quality and comfort level in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Participants: Individuals receiving hemodialysis treatment were included in the study. Interventions: Reflexology group: Patients received foot reflexology at regular intervals. Sleep hygiene training group: Patients received regular training to improve their sleep habits. Control group: Routine care was provided.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

End-Stage Renal Disease

Interventions

ReflexologyBEHAVIORAL

Reflexology in this study is a structured, standardized foot reflexology protocol specifically designed for hemodialysis patients. Unlike general massage applications, this intervention focuses on defined reflex points on the feet that are theoretically associated with systemic effects, particularly relaxation and sleep regulation. The sessions were delivered twice weekly for 30 minutes over 8 weeks by a trained practitioner using a consistent technique and pressure protocol. This standardized duration, frequency, and protocol distinguish it from non-structured or general complementary massage practices used in other studies.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria * Patients undergoing hemodialysis for at least 6 months * Voluntary participation in the study * Aged between 18 and 65 years * No communication problems * No active infectious disease Exclusion Criteria * Presence of an open foot ulcer * Suspected fracture or burn in the foot area * Thrombocytopenia * Diagnosed deep vein thrombosis 5.Diagnosed peripheral neuropathy

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was developed by Daniel J. Buysse et al. in 1989. The Turkish validity and reliability study of the scale was conducted by Mehmet Yavuz Ağargün et al. The PSQI is a widely used instrument that evaluates individuals' sleep quality and distinguishes between "good sleepers" and "poor sleepers." The PSQI consists of 18 items and seven components: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction. Each component is scored on a 0-3 scale, and the sum of the component scores yields a total score ranging from 0 to 21. A total score of ≥5 indicates poor sleep quality.

Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes

Hemodialysis Comfort Scale II (HCS-II)

The Hemodialysis Comfort Scale II (HCS-II) was developed by Sultan Koşar Şahin and Sema Pakyüz. It is a valid and reliable instrument used to assess the comfort level of patients who have been receiving hemodialysis treatment for at least three months. The scale consists of 26 items and six subdimensions and is structured as a 5-point Likert-type scale. Higher total scores indicate a higher level of comfort, whereas lower scores indicate lower comfort levels.