Effect of Foot Reflexology and Meditation on Physical and Psychological Outcomes among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mosaad Ali, Marwa; Kamel Mosbah, Soha; Abd El-Salam Sheta, Hala; Mohamed Ali, Asmaa; Mohamed Abdel Aziz, Mona

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2024.369554

Effect of Foot Reflexology and Meditation on Physical and Psychological Outcomes among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt

² Assistant Professor of community health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt

³ Assistant Professor of psychiatric and mental health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt

10.21608/ejhc.2024.369554

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a major public health problem affecting millions of people all around the world. Which can lead to considerable physical disability and is associated with an increased risk of psychological distress, evidence revealed that reflexology as well as meditation techniques may help to decrease pain and psychological distress in patients with rheumatoid arthritis Aim: to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology and meditation on physical, and psychological outcomes among participant with rheumatoid arthritis. Research design: A quasi-experimental research design was used to achieve the purpose of the present research using a pre-/post-test approach. Setting: The current research was conducted in; the rheumatology department, and outpatient clinic of university Hospital in Benha, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. Subject A purposive sample of 90 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are hospitalized in the Orthopedic department at the previously mentioned setting. Samples were randomly selected and divided into three groups of 30: Group A (foot reflexology massage), group B (meditation), and group C (control group). Tools: Three tools were utilized to collect data: (I) a structured questionnaire for patients, (II) patients’ physical outcomes involving Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Scale and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index, (III) patients’ psychological outcomes involving psychological distress and coping self efficacy scales. Results: Total patients’ knowledge level showed significant increase among reflexology and meditation groups than control group after program implementation. There was a marked improvement in patients' outcomes reflexology and meditation groups than control group after program implementation (P= <0.001). Conclusion: Implementing reflexology and meditation program had a positive and better impact on patients' outcomes evidenced by increased knowledge level, and improved physical and psychological outcomes mean scores among intervention groups than in control group. Recommendations: Designing Illustrated self-administered Reflexology massage and meditation intervention booklets to be distributed to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. As well as performing training program for nurses and caregivers should be considered.

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