The effect of foot reflexology on pain comfort and beta endorphin levels in patients with liver transplantation

Aim: The Research was carried out to determine the effect of foot reflexology applied to patients with liver transplantation on pain, comfort and beta endorphin levels. Material and Methods: The Research was carried out in an design with pre-test/post-test control group. The population of the study was made up of adult patients who underwent liver transplantation at Inönü University Turgut Ozal Medical Center Liver Transplant Institute. The sample consisted of 120 patients with specified power analysis, including analysis 60 experimental and 60 controls. Data were collected between October 2019–April 2020 using Patient Information Form, Numerical Pain Scale, Perianesthesia Comfor Scale and Beta Endorphin Level Registration Form. Pain, comfort and beta endorphin levels of patients in the experimental group were determined before reflexology. Foot reflexology was applied by the researcher for 30 minutes. Immediately after foot reflexology pain, comfort and beta endorphin levels were determined. In the evaluation of the data; number, percentage, avarege, standart deviation, chi-square and t Test in Independent groups was used. Results: While there was no significant difference between the pretest-posttest pain level scores of the control group patients, the pain level of the patients in the experimental group was found to decrease (p<0.05). It was determined that beta endorphin and comfort levels of both experimental and control groups increased statistically in the post-test compared to the pre-test (p<0.05). However, this increase in beta endorphin and comfort levels was observed to be higher in the experimental group. Conclusion: Foot reflexology was found to be effective in post-operative pain control in patients with liver transplantation, and increased beta endorphine level and comfort level. Key Words: Liver Transplantation, Foot Reflexology, Pain, Comfort, Beta Endorphin