The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage Applied to Hemodialysis Patients With Muscle Cramp

Data-collecting interviewers are blind to which patients are in which group. The days and sessions of the groups were randomly determined after patients meeting the research criteria of the intervention, placebo control, and control groups were ranked.

The population of the study consists of 566 patients treated in institutions that allow the research to be conducted.

145 patients participated in the study and the study was terminated with 94 patients. In the study, aromatherapy massage was applied to the intervention group, baby oil massage was applied to the placebo control group, while no application was made to the control group other than routine care. Aromatherapy massage to the intervention group; It was applied with a mixture of 7% lavender, rosemary and marjoram essential oils.

Dependent Variables: Cramp frequency, mean cramp pain severity, and quality of life scale total score.

Independent Variables: age, gender, body mass index, marital status, educational status, income level, sociodemographic characteristics such as smoking and alcohol use, characteristics related to the diagnosis-treatment process, concomitant diseases and laboratory parameters.

Research data; Intervention and Placebo Group Situation Evaluation Chart, Personal Information Form, Personal Interview Form, Visual Analogue Scale, Quality of Life Index Dialysis Version-III and Control, Intervention and Placebo Group Monitoring Chart were collected. The qualitative data obtained in the study were evaluated using descriptive and content analysis methods. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program was used to evaluate the quantitative data. A value of p \< 0.05 will be accepted as statistical significance criterion. In order to carry out the study, the necessary Academic Committee decision, Ethics Committee approval (dated 11 November 2020 and numbered 13) and institutional permission were obtained. The individuals included in the study were informed about the purpose of the study.