The Effect of Stress Ball Use on Comfort, Anxiety, and Patient Satisfaction in Hemodialysis Patients

Bitlis Eren University

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Hemodialysis Patients

Treatments: Other: standard care; Device: Stress Ball

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06977867

2024/8-2 and E.6610

Details and patient eligibility

About

Chronic kidney disease represents a significant public health issue both in Türkiye and worldwide, with the majority of patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Individuals receiving hemodialysis often experience not only physical discomfort but also psychological distress, including heightened anxiety and reduced comfort. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of stress ball use on comfort, anxiety, and patient satisfaction among hemodialysis patients. The stress ball is a simple and cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention that aids individuals in managing stress by redirecting their attention. Notably, this study is unique in simultaneously investigating comfort, anxiety, and satisfaction parameters within this patient population.

Enrollment: 36 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 98 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Being 18 years of age or older
• Being literate
• Having no visual or hearing impairments
• Being able to communicate verbally
• Having no physical disability that would prevent the use of a stress ball
• Not having a diagnosed anxiety disorder and not using medication for it
• Willingness to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Currently using sedative medications
• Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Having any physical limitation that prevents squeezing a stress ball

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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36 participants in 2 patient groups

Stress Ball

Experimental group

Description:

All hemodialysis patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be asked to squeeze a stress ball during their dialysis sessions (3 times a week for 1 month, totaling 12 sessions). Anxiety, comfort, and patient satisfaction levels will be assessed using three measurements: a pre-test before the intervention, a mid-test at the end of the 6th session (2nd week), and a post-test after the 12th session. Patients will be instructed to use the stress ball throughout their dialysis session. They will be asked to squeeze the ball for at least 10-15 minutes during each session.

Treatment:

Device: Stress Ball

Control

Other group

Description:

The hemodialysis patients in the control group will not use the stress ball and will receive standard care throughout the study period. Similar to the intervention group, levels of anxiety, comfort, and patient satisfaction will be assessed at three time points: prior to the intervention (pre-test), at the end of the second week (after the 6th session), and at the end of the fourth week (post-test, after the 12th session).

Treatment:

Other: standard care