The Effect of Acupressure at P6 Point on Anxiety and Depression in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Objective: Anxiety and depression are the most common psychological problems and effective on treatment process in hemodialysis patients. Acupressure is inexpensive, effective, and available method for reducing anxiety and depression. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of acupressure on anxiety and depression in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This study was a clinical trial, conducted on 40 patient’s referral to Imam Khomeini medical center in Zabul at 2017. Patient-based census method selected and randomly divided in two groups (intervention group: 20, control group: 20). For data collection we used demographic, Spielberger Anxiety and Beck Depression Questionnaire. The intervention group received acupressure in p6 point in three days a week for four weeks. Data were collected before and one month after the intervention then data analyzed by SPSS v. 16 with paired t-test and independent statistical test. Results: The Mean±SD depression and anxiety score after intervention were 25.41±5.67 and 37.15±5.13, respectively. Evaluation of depression and anxiety scores after intervention showed a significant difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that acupressure is effective in reducing anxiety and depression in patients. Therefore, it is recommended as a simple, inexpensive, and workable method by the patient himself.

Keywords

• hemodialysis
• anxiety
• depression
• acupressure
• p6 point