Stress Ball Use on Anxiety

Effect of Stress Ball Use on Anxiety in Haemodialysis Patients: A Single-blind Randomized Controlled Crossover Study

Stress management in dialysis patients plays a key role in reducing these negativities and in maintaining both physical and mental well-being. In dialysis patients, on the other hand, the effectiveness of stress ball use on comfort and stress was evaluated, and no study was found that evaluated its effect on anxiety.

Stress ball is one of the non-pharmacological methods used to distract individuals when they consciously focus on a stimulus. With the squeezing of the ball, the nerves in the hands are stimulated and stimuli are sent to the limbic region of the brain, and these stimuli provide an acupressure effect. At the same time, it is the easiest and cheapest method that allows the mind to get away from stress and maintain the mental well-being of the person.

They were asked to use the ball for at least 10 minutes during the dialysis treatment and when they felt stressed or unwell at home/work.

They were asked to use the ball for at least 10 minutes during the dialysis treatment and when they felt stressed or unwell at home/work. Patients with arteriovenous fistula or arteriovenous graft were instructed to use the stress ball with the other hand, where there was no vascular access.

It will be assessed two times with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Seven of the 14 questions measure anxiety and seven measure depression. Responses are scored in a four-point Likert format between 0-3. The lowest score that patients can get from both subscales is 0, and the highest score is 21. The cut-off points of the Turkish version of HADS were determined as 10 for the anxiety subscale and 7 for the depression subscale.

It will be assessed two times with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Seven of the 14 questions measure anxiety and seven measure depression. Responses are scored in a four-point Likert format between 0-3. The lowest score that patients can get from both subscales is 0, and the highest score is 21. The cut-off points of the Turkish version of HADS were determined as 10 for the anxiety subscale and 7 for the depression subscale.

Inclusion Criteria: 18 years of age or older On maintenance hemodialysis three times per week for four hours per session Able to communicate in Turkish Willing to participate to the study Exclusion Criteria: Having any health problems related to the hand/arm to use the stress ball Patients who did not want to participate in the study

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