Effect of Reflexology on Quality of Life of Preschool Children Suffering from Bronchial Asthma

AhmedAbd El-Sattar, Shimaa Ramadan; Bahgat, Rahma Soliman; El-Dardiry, Samia Abd El-Hameed; El-Saied, Ebtisam Mohammed; El-Deep, Ali Eed

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2015.74507

Effect of Reflexology on Quality of Life of Preschool Children Suffering from Bronchial Asthma

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ M.SC. N, Pediatric Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University

² Prof. of Pediatric Nursing Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University

³ Prof. of Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

⁴ Prof. of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University

10.21608/tsnj.2015.74507

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases that affect children. Children with bronchial asthma symptoms have significantly lower health related quality of life scores. The nurse can play an important role in management of asthma by applying a safe and an effective assistant method beside the standard medical care as reflexology that can promote well-being, relaxation and improve asthma severity symptoms. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of reflexology on quality of life of preschool children suffering from bronchial asthma. Materials and Method: The study was conducted at Inpatient Pediatric Chest Unit at Tanta University Hospital. Sixty preschool children suffering from asthma and their mothers were included in the study. They were divided into two equal groups. The study group received the routine hospital medical care plus reflexology. Data were collected by using a structure interview sheet, the basic reflexology technique and outcome measurement scales Results: The present study revealed that applying reflexology beside medical care for study group children improved their overall quality oflife 3days and one month post-program in a degree more than that of applying medical care only for control group children. The study recommended in-service training programs and workshops should be conducted periodically and regularly for nurses working in Pediatric Chest Unit about skills of applying reflexology for asthmatic children.

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