Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1
PhD Student of Reproductive Health, Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2
MSc of Midwifery, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3
Lecturer, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4
Lecturer, Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
5
Associate Professor, Department of Acupuncture, School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad Iran
6
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Background & aim: Most pregnant women have anxiety regarding screening tests such as amniocentesis. The current research was carried out to examine the effect of foot reflexology on pain and anxiety in pregnant women candidates for amniocentesis.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 60 pregnant women candidates for amniocentesis at a training Hospital in Mashhad , Iran. The participants included in the study were randomly allocated to intervention (N=29) and control (N=31) groups . The participants in the intervention group performed 20 minutes of foot reflexology (10 minutes on each foot), daily in the solar plexus area for 10 consecutive days. The control group received no additional intervention beyond routine care. Data were collected using demographic and obstetrics questionnaires, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Visual Analogue Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software with independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and covariance analysis.
Results: The reflexology group had significantly lower mean state anxiety scores than the control group immediately and 10 days after amniocentesis (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The mean trait anxiety scores in the foot reflexology group were significantly lower at 10 days after amniocentesis (P<0.001). The reflexology group had significantly less pain intensity immediately after amniocentesis (P=0.001).
Conclusion: Reflexology is an effective method to reduce pain and anxiety in pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis.
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