The effect of foot massage applied to patients undergoing hemodialysis on their sleep quality and fatigue level

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of foot massage applied to patients undergoing hemodialysis on their sleep quality and fatigue level. Material and Method: The population of this randomized controlled study consisted of 97 patients receiving treatment in the HD unit of two hospitals. The study was completed with 73 patients, who were assigned to the experimental group (36) and the control group (37). The data were collected between August 2021 and February 2022 using the Patient Information Form, PSQI, and PFS. In the experimental group, the Patient Information Form, PFS, and PSQI were applied at the first interview and again at the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks after foot massage. It was applied to the patients in the control group at the first interview and at the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks. The patients in the experimental group were subjected to foot massage for 10 minutes three times a week for four weeks (in 12 sessions). No intervention was performed on the patients in the control group. Results: It was found that the decrease in the mean scores of all subscales of PFS and PFS total mean score and its subscales after the foot massage was significant in the experimental group (p<0.05). In the control group, the decrease in the mean scores of the behavioral, sensory, and cognitive subscales of PFS during the follow-up was significant (p<0.05); however, the decrease in the PFS affective subscale and PFS total mean score was not significant (p˃0.05). It was determined that while the change in the PSQI total mean score and mean scores of all subscales after the foot massage was significant in the experimental group (p<0.05), the change in the PSQI total mean score and mean scores of all subscales was not significant in the control group (p˃0.05). Conclusion: It was determined that foot massage applied to patients undergoing hemodialysis reduced their fatigue and enhanced their sleep quality. Keywords: Foot massage, hemodialysis, nursing, sleep quality, fatigue.