The effect of hot water foot bath on pain, fatigue and flatulence in the EARLY post cesarean section period

The aim of this research is to determine the effect of hot water foot bath on pain, fatigue and flatulance in the early post cesarean section period. This research is a randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted in Gaziantep Abdulkadir Yuksel Hospital. The sample of the research consisted of 80 women who gave birth by cesarean section (experimental group: 40 and control group: 40). The women in the study were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups before starting the application. The data were collected between 01 December 2021 and 30 June 2022. 'Descriptive Information Form', 'Numerical Rating Scale', 'Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue', 'Experimental Group Patient Follow-up Form' and 'Control Group Patient Follow-up Form' were used as data collection tools. Hot water foot bath was applied to the women in the experimental group for 15 minutes, 3 hours after the cesarean section. The control group was only followed up after cesarean section. In the comparison of the experimental and control groups, chi-square for categorical variables, and independent samples t-test for numerical variables were used. Independent samples t-test was used to compare the scale scores of the experimental and control groups. In the comparison of the scale scores that were measured at different times, the Repeated Measurements Analysis of Variance was applied and the LSD test, which is one of the multiple comparison tests, was used. It was found that the pain level of the women in the experimental group after the application of hot water foot bath was lower than the women in the control group and before the application. It was determined that the fatigue level of the women in the experimental group after the application was lower than the women in the control group and before the application. It was determined that the application of hot water foot bath was not effective in the period of gas outlet after cesarean section. As a result, it was determined that the hot water foot bath applied in the early period after cesarean section reduced the level of pain and fatigue, and had no effect on flatulence. During the post-cesarean section, a hot water foot bath can be recommended in nursing care.