The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Happiness and Academic Stress of Nursing Students

Background: Some nursing students might experience high level of stress and lower levels of happiness; therefore, providing some interventions would be beneficial for them. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of foot reflexology on happiness and academic stress of female Nursing student resident in dormitory.Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on ۹۹ students of faculty of nursing and midwifery of Tabriz university of medical sciences, who were divided into three groups of reflexology (n = ۳۳), sham (n = ۳۳) and control (n = ۳۳). The intervention group received foot reflexology for four weeks (۱۰ minutes per foot). The sham group received nonspecific foot massage without applying pressure on standard reflex points with the same condition and duration as the intervention group. No intervention was done for the control group.Results: The results indicated a significant difference amongst the three groups regarding stress and happiness after the intervention (p < ۰.۰۵). A significant difference was observed between the foot reflexology group and the control group regarding stress and happiness (p < ۰.۰۵). In addition, in the foot reflexology group, a significant difference was found regarding the mean change of students’ stress and happiness before and after the intervention.Conclusions: Foot reflexology, as an effective intervention treatment, can reduce level of stress and increasing nursing students’ happiness, therefore educational authorities and instructors are recommended to use this intervention during the course of nursing’ Bachelor’s degree.

کلیدواژه ها:

Happiness ، Academic Stress ، Nursing Student ، Reflexology