The Effect of Acupressure Application Before Gastrointestinal Endoscopy on Pain, Anxiety, and Nausea Symptoms: A Randomized Sham-Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupressure applied before gastrointestinal endoscopy on patients' pain, anxiety, and nausea levels, with implications for perianesthesia nursing care.

DESIGN

A single-center, randomized, sham-controlled experimental study.

METHODS

Sixty patients scheduled for gastrointestinal endoscopy who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to either the acupressure group or the sham acupressure group, with 30 patients in each group. In the acupressure group, patients received 15 minutes of acupressure at the HT7, LI4, and PC6 points before the procedure, while the sham group received 10 minutes of sham acupressure. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and nausea, and the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale. Statistical analyses included independent and paired t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test, Friedman and Pearson χ² tests, and repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.

FINDINGS: Following the interventions, the acupressure group experienced a significant reduction in VAS pain and nausea scores compared to the sham group (P<.001). Furthermore, the third measurement of State Anxiety scores was significantly lower in the acupressure group (P=.035).

CONCLUSIONS

Acupressure before endoscopy effectively reduces anxiety and alleviates pain and nausea after the procedure. However, the limitations of these findings should be acknowledged. Further validation with larger sample sizes and multicenter studies is recommended before considering routine clinical application.