The effect of acupressure application on reducing pain during phlebotomy in children diagnosed with Thalassaemia

Abstract

Aim

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of acupressure on reducing phlebotomy pain in children with thalassaemia. Methods: The study, a single-centre, randomised controlled experimental study, was conducted between 1 February and 2 June 2022 with 39 children diagnosed with thalassaemia between the ages of 6–18 years. Children were randomised to acupressure and sham groups by lottery. In the acupressure group (n = 19), a single session of acupressure was applied to the determined points. The sham group (n = 20) was only touched. The data of the study were collected using the Personal Data Collection Form and WB Faces Pain Scale. Descriptive statistics obtained from the data were expressed as percentage, mean, frequency, standard deviation and median (minimum-maximum). Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine the suitability of the variables for normal distribution. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the measurement values of two dependent groups that did not show normal distribution; Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the measurement values of two independent groups.

Results

The groups are similar in terms of their descriptive characteristics (p > 0.05). It was determined that the pain score averages, heart rate and oxygen saturations of the acupressure group were significantly different compared to the Sham group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Acupressure application is recommended as a non-pharmacological method that is effective in reducing the pain of phlebotomy in children diagnosed with Thalassaemia and that nurses can apply independently in clinical practice.