Journal List > J Korean Acad Nurs > v.45(4) > 1003098

Choi and Lee: Effects of Foot-Reflexology Massage on Fatigue, Stress and Postpartum Depression in Postpartum Women

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.

Figures and Tables

Table 1

Homogeneity Test for General Characteristics (N=70)

jkan-45-587-i001

*Fisher's exact test; Exp.=Experimental group; Cont.=Control group.

Table 2

Homogeneity Test for Pregnancy, Delivery and Postpartum Care (N=70)

jkan-45-587-i002

*Fisher's exact test; Exp.=Experimental group; Cont.=Control group.

Table 3

Homogeneity Test for Dependent Variables between Two Groups (N=70)

jkan-45-587-i003

Exp.=Experimental group; Cont.=Control group.

Table 4

Differences in Fatigue, Cortisol, and Postpartum Depression between Two Groups (N=70)

jkan-45-587-i004

Exp.=Experimental group (n=35); Cont.=Control group (n=35).

Notes

This manuscript is a condensed form of the first author's master's thesis from Gachon University.

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