Effect of Acupressure on Thirst among Children Undergoing Hemodialysis

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

1 Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

2 Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University

3 Health Sciences , Faculty of Physical Education, Alexandria University

Abstract

Thirst is the most common oral pathology manifestation in children undergoing hemodialysis. This symptom may lead to dehydration, depression and affect their quality of life. Non-traditional therapy such as acupressure has been recommended to be used for reducing thirst in children undergoing hemodialysis. Objective: Assess the effect of acupressure on thirst in children undergoing hemodialysis. Setting: The study was conducted at the Hemodialysis Unit at Alexandria University Children’s Hospital. Subjects: A convenience sampling of 30 children undergoing hemodialysis comprised the study subjects, their ages ranged from 6-18 years. Tools: Two tools were used to collect the data of the study. Tool One: Socio Demographic and Medical Data of Children Undergoing Hemodialysis Interview Sheet, Tool Two: Dialysis Thirst Inventory Questionnaire. Results: Half of children reported very often thirsty before acupressure intervention. This percentage showed slightly decrease to 43.3% at the first week. Moreover, this percent decreased to 20% at the second week. Small proportion of those children (3.3%) reported that they had very often thirsty at the third and fourth weeks of the study period. Conclusion: Acupressure had great effect in reducing children's thirst intensity. Recommendation: Acupressure needs to be incorporated in pediatric hemodialysis unit policy and protocols to decrease thirst.

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