The Reflexology of Sole on Tiredness Intensity in Pregnant Women

Background: Tiredness is one of the most common complaints among pregnant women, but little attention has been paid to its importance and a way to control it. Reflexology can be employed as a nursing intervention to reduce it. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology on the tiredness intensity in pregnant women. Methods: This study was carried out on 74 pregnant women outpatients in Health centers in Ramsar. These women were divided into two groups of test (36 people) and witness (38 people) which were matched according to their ages and jobs. The instrument for collecting data included sample choice form, individual characteristics, social support and a questionnaire for analyzing tiredness intensity. When the forms were filled up by the research units, the reflexology of sole was done in the test group for 5 weeks, two sessions a week, 30 minutes each session; then the tiredness intensity of both groups was analyzed again. The analysis was performed using the following tests: Chi square statistical test, student t, paired t and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: In this study the average of tiredness intensity in pregnant women showed a significant difference before and after the reflexology, and after the interaction there was a significant difference in tiredness intensity between the two groups of witness and test (p=0.001). There is a significant relationship between social support and tiredness intensity (r=0.46, p=0.002). Likewise, ferros sulfate tablet had a significant effect on tiredness intensity (p=0.001). Conclusion: According to the present study reflexology reduces tiredness in pregnant women significantly. The other variables such as social support and sulfate ferros tablet can reduce tiredness intensity too.