Effects of Foot-Reflexology Massage on Fatigue, Stress and Postpartum Depression in Postpartum Women.
10.4040/jkan.2015.45.4.587
- Author:
Mi Son CHOI
1
;
Eun Ja LEE
Author Information
1. Graduate School of Nursing, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea.
- Publication Type:Controlled Clinical Trial ; English Abstract ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Foot;
Massage;
Fatigue;
Cortisone;
Postpartum depression
- MeSH:
Adult;
Depression, Postpartum/*prevention & control;
*Fatigue;
Female;
Foot;
Humans;
Hydrocortisone/blood;
Infant, Newborn;
Male;
*Massage;
Postpartum Period/*psychology;
*Stress, Psychological;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
2015;45(4):587-594
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: To identify the effects of foot reflexology massage on fatigue, stress and depression of postpartum women. METHODS: A nonequivalent control group pre-post design was used. A total of 70 women in a postpartum care center were recruited and were assigned to the experimental group (35) or control group (35). Foot reflexology massage was provided to the experimental group once a day for three days. Data were collected before and after the intervention program which was carried out from December, 2013 to February, 2014. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test. RESULTS: The level of fatigue in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t= - 2.74, p =.008). The level of cortisol in the urine of women in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t= - 2.19, p =.032). The level of depression in the experimental group was significantly lower than the control group (t= - 3.00, p =.004). CONCLUSION: The results show that the foot reflexology massage is an effective nursing intervention to relieve fatigue, stress, and depression for postpartum women.
