The effect of a stress ball on stress, vital signs and patient comfort in hemodialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: In this study, an investigation was made of the effect of the use of a stress ball, a method of distraction-attracting the attention elsewhere - on stress, vital signs andcomfort levels in hemodialysis patients. Methods: This randomized, controlled experimental study, between July 2019 and September 2019 was carried out in a dialysis unit in the inner regions of Turkey. The study was conducted with 45 patients (23 experiments, 22 controls) who were receiving hemodialysis treatment. The experimental group were asked to squeeze a stress ball for approximately 10-15 min throughout eight successive dialysis sessions. The data were obtained with an Individual Description Form, the Distress Thermometer and the Hemodialysis Comfort Scale. Results: At the end of the study, no significant difference was found in the vital signs and comfort levels of the experimental and control groups (p 0.05). However, while the stress score of the experimental group decreased significantly, the stress score of the control groups increased (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that although the use of the stress ball did not affect vital signs and comfort in hemodialysis patients, it had a positive effect on stress.