The Effect of Acupressure Applied to Individuals Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment on Severity of Thirst and Quality of Life

Objective . This study was conducted to determine the effect of acupressure on the severity of thirst and quality of life of patients receiving hemodialysis treatment. Materials and Methods . This study was carried out in a randomized- controlled way to define the effect of acupressure performed on CV-23, SJ-17, Kid-1 acupuncture points for 15 min three times a week for six weeks on the intensity of thirst and quality of life in patients on hemodialysis. The second phase of the study was carried out as a qualitative study using an individual interview technique and a semi-structured questionnaire form before and after the acupressure with the intervention group patients in the study. The study was completed with 60 patients. Results . The weekly increase in the amount of saliva and the weekly decrease in the Visuel Analog Scala (VAS)-VAS thirst level in the individuals in the intervention group compared to those in the placebo group were found to be significant (P <.05). In the 1st and the 6th week assessments the difference between the intervention group and the placebo group in terms the mental component sub-dimension of the Quality of Life scale was found to be significant (P <.05), but difference between all other sub-dimensions and total averagescores was not found to be significant (P <.05). Conclusion . It was determined that acupressure applied to the CV-23, SJ-17, Kid-1 acupuncture points with an acupressure device increased the amount of saliva, decreased the severity of VAS thirst and affects positively of quality of life except the mental component sub-dimension.