Effect of Acupressure on Quality of Life among Female Nurses with Chronic Back Pain

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 medical surgical department, mansoura university

2 Faculty of Nursing Mansoura University

3 3Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Chronic Back Pain is the most common musculoskeletal work-related disorders among nurses.
Acupressure is the type of complementary medicine frequently used today that involves pressing with fingers to
stimulate acupoints of the human body to release endorphins which cause muscle relaxation and pain relief. Aim of this
study was to determine the effect of acupressure on quality of life among female nurses with chronic back pain. Design:
A quasi experimental research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at all surgical and medical units at
Mansoura University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of 100 female nurses with chronic back pain was
distributed equally into two groups; Study group receiving acupressure sessions (I) and the control group received
routine treatment plan (II). Tools: Three tools were used to collect data: Structured interview questionnaire, Pain
assessment scale, Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ). Results: Highly
statistically significant difference in pain intensity and quality of life between two groups post acupressure sessions
at (p= <0,0001*) was observed. Conclusion: Acupressure is effective complementary therapy improves back pain,
increase QOL and increase occupational function. Therefore, acupressure can be used as a drug-free and low-cost
approach without side effects to improve quality of life in nurses with chronic back pain. Recommendations:
Educational nursing program about effect and technique of acupressure should be conducted. Future research should
include longitudinal studies with a cross-over design to document the long-range effects of acupressure for female nurses
with chronic back pain.

Keywords