Effect of Acupressure on Anxiety among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis in Selected Hospitals of Ambala, Haryana: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Patients with chronic kidney disease with co morbidities (like diabetes mellitus, hypertension) undergoing

hemodialysis are more prone to stress and anxiety. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate

the effect of acupressure on anxiety among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methodology: The research

includes quantitative approach and design was Basic pre-test post-test (with optional repeated follow ups).

The tool used i.e. selected variables regarding study participants characteristics and DASS-42 (Anxiety-14

items). Results: After the administration of acupressure, two third of the study participants in experimental

group were at normal level (no anxiety) whereas in control group study participants were at severe and

extreme level of anxiety. There was significant difference between experimental and control group in post

test I and post-test II i.e. (‘t’= 13.35, p=0.00) and (‘t’= 13.79, p=0.00) respectively. Further results showed

significant difference within groups in experimental and control group (in inverse direction) as calculated (F

value 1.62, p=0.00) and (F value 3.69, p=0.03) respectively. Step wise regression analysis was used which

showed the predictability of selected variables on anxiety. Conclusion: Findings of this study concluded that

Acupressure intervention given for 30 minutes at once was effective in reducing anxiety among patients

undergoing hemodialysis.