Effect of Foot Reflexology on Fatigue, Pain and Insomnia among Children undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background: Children receiving chemotherapy experience discomfort, exhaustion, and disturbed sleep patterns. Thus, it is imperative to employ foot reflexology, which seems to be efficient, inexpensive, flexible, and easy to apply. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on fatigue, pain, and insomnia among children undergoing chemotherapy Method: A quasi-experimental (pretest/posttest) research design was used. Setting: The study will be conducted at Minia Oncology Centre. Sample: (80 children) were randomly assigned to either study or control groups at the Minia Oncology Centre over the period of 6 months period. Tools: Three tools were used to collect data including: tool (I): include two parts, Part (I) demographics data, Part (II) Fatigue assessment scale, tool (II): OUCHER pain measurement tool, and tool (III) Insomnia Severity Index. Results: According to the results of the current study, most of the children in the study group had sub-threshold insomnia with (p = 0.002), a little pain with (p = 0.003), and mild fatigue with (p = 0.001). Furthermore, there were very significant statistical differences between the study group and control group in terms of pain, fatigue, and sleep quality (P= <0.0001). Conclusion: Compared to the control group following the intervention, it was shown that foot reflexology was beneficial in lowering levels of discomfort, exhaustion, and improving sleep among children receiving chemotherapy in the study group. Recommendations: Nurses and other health organizations should use foot reflexology as a low-cost intervention to lessen pain, exhaustion, and enhance sleep quality.