Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Effect of Hand Reflexology Massage on Fatigue and Anxiety Among Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

104 participantsStarted 2026-01-01

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if hand reflexology massage can help reduce fatigue and anxiety in adult patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What are the levels of fatigue and anxiety in hemodialysis patients? * Is hand reflexology massage more effective than usual care in reducing fatigue and anxiety after eight sessions? * Do these improvements last over time? * Does a patient's age, gender, education level, how long they've been on dialysis, or their financial status affect how much they benefit from the massage? Researchers will compare patients who receive hand reflexology massage plus standard care to those who receive only standard care to see if the massage leads to greater reductions in fatigue and anxiety. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to one group that receives hand reflexology massage or another group that continues with routine care only * Attend 8 short sessions (about 27 minutes each) of hand reflexology massage over four weeks, given during their regular dialysis visits * Complete brief questionnaires about their fatigue and anxiety levels before the study starts, after the 4th session, and after the 8th session * Continue their normal medical treatments throughout the study This study focuses on a safe, non-drug therapy that nurses can easily provide. Hand reflexology involves gentle pressure on specific points of the hands linked to stress relief and relaxation. It is chosen because it is practical during dialysis, avoids touching swollen or sensitive feet, and respects cultural preferences. The results could help improve the comfort and well-being of hemodialysis patients in Iraq and similar healthcare settings.

Who can participate

Age range18 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years and older. * Diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for at least three months. * Receiving hemodialysis treatment two or three times per week. * Fully alert, conscious, and able to communicate clearly. * Able to understand the Arabic language. * Demonstrates measurable levels of fatigue as assessed by the FACIT-Fatigue Scale. * Demonstrates measurable levels of anxiety as assessed by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (Ar-BAI). * Willing to participate in the study and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of ulcers, wounds, burns, infections, or skin diseases on the hands or forearms. * Deformities, fractures, or orthopedic disorders affecting the hands or upper limbs. * Peripheral neuropathy, vascular problems, or Raynaud's phenomenon in the hands. * Diagnosis of major psychiatric disorders (e.g., psychosis, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder). * Active systemic diseases that contribute to fatigue or anxiety (e.g., cancer, heart failure, lupus). * Use of sedatives, anxiolytics, or sleeping pills within 48-72 hours prior to data collection. * Current use of complementary or alternative therapies aimed at managing anxiety or fatigue. * History of drug or alcohol abuse. * Presence of implanted cardiac devices (e.g., pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator). * Hemodynamic instability or unstable vital signs during hemodialysis sessions. * Refusal or inab…

What they're measuring

Change in Fatigue Levels as Measured by the Arabic FACIT-Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F)

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Change in Anxiety Levels as Measured by the Arabic Beck Anxiety Inventory (Ar-BAI)

Timeframe: 4 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07253831

SponsorKufa University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09-15

Contact for this trial

Sabah kareem Al-Shibli

+9647802117240 sabahk.alshibli@student.uokufa.edu.iq