The impact of foot reflexology on postoperative pain and fear in children following circumcision: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Postoperative pain and fear are common in children after surgical interventions and can negatively impact the healing process. Circumcision, as a common surgical procedure, often results in both physical pain and psychological fear in children. Foot reflexology, a non-pharmacological method, is effective in reducing pain and stress by applying pressure to specific points on the feet that correspond to various parts of the body. Reflexology, especially in children, stands out as an alternative approach to managing postoperative pain and fear. The integration of such complementary methods into post-surgical care can help accelerate the healing process in children.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of foot reflexology in managing postoperative pain and fear in children following circumcision.

Materials and methods: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. The study included 84 children, aged 5-10 years, hospitalized for circumcision at a pediatric surgery clinic in a public hospital in eastern Turkey. Participants were randomized into experimental (n = 42) and control (n = 42) groups based on age. Reflexology was applied to the children in the experimental group after circumcision. Data were gathered using the Patient Descriptive Information Form, Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale, and Child Fear Scale. Number, percentage, mean, t test in independent groups and paired t test were used in the evaluation of the data.

Results: The primary source of postoperative pain in both groups was the incision site, while painful procedures were the leading cause of fear. Children who received reflexology postoperatively reported significantly lower pain and fear scores compared to those in the control group.

Conclusion: Foot reflexology is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and fear in children's post-circumcision. Pediatric nurses should consider incorporating reflexology into routine care to enhance pain management outcomes. Nursing education programs should consider including training in reflexology and other non-pharmacological pain management techniques to improve pediatric postoperative care.