A Study To Assess The Effectiveness of A Structured Teaching Program on Knowledge Regarding Massage and Exercise For The Prevention of Muscle Cramps in Hemodialysis Patients Among Staff Nurses

Abstract

Background

Muscle cramps represent one of the most distressing intradialytic complications among patients undergoing hemodialysis, frequently causing severe pain, discomfort, and premature treatment termination. Incorporating non-pharmacological interventions, such as massage and specialized stretching exercises, can alleviate these symptoms and enhance the patient's overall quality of life. Dialysis unit staff nurses play a central, direct role in initiating, promoting, and supporting these supportive care modalities.

Objectives

1. To evaluate the pre-test knowledge scores regarding massage and exercise for the prevention of muscle cramps in hemodialysis patients among staff nurses.
2. To evaluate the post-test knowledge scores following the implementation of a Structured Teaching Program (STP).
3. To determine the overall effectiveness of the STP on the knowledge levels of staff nurses.
4. To identify associations between baseline pre-test knowledge scores and selected socio-demographic variables.

Methods

A pre-experimental, one-group pre-test/post-test research design using a quantitative evaluative approach was conducted at KIMS Sunrise Hospital, Kasaragod. Utilizing a non-probability purposive sampling method, 30 practicing staff nurses who fulfilled the pre-defined inclusion criteria were enrolled. Baseline knowledge was recorded using a validated 25-item Structured Knowledge Questionnaire, followed immediately by a targeted 30-minute structured teaching intervention. A post-test assessment using identical tools was administered after the teaching session. The collected data were compiled and evaluated utilizing descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The baseline mean pre-test knowledge score was 0.45 (45%), which significantly increased to a post-test mean score of 0.81 (81%), showing an absolute net knowledge gain of 36%. Inferential analysis using a paired \(t\)-test yielded a value of 17.17, which was highly statistically significant (\(p < 0.05\)), confirming the effectiveness of the teaching program. Chi-square (\(\chi ^{2}\)) analysis revealed significant associations between baseline knowledge and socio-demographic parameters including age (\(\chi^2 = 20.35\)), professional qualification (\(\chi^2 = 33.0\)), and clinical experience (\(\chi^2 = 17.2\)), while showing no significant association with the primary source of information.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that a structured teaching program significantly improves staff nurses' understanding of supportive non-pharmacological techniques. Regular implementation of certified instructional sessions can empower nursing personnel to manage complications and deliver patient-centric care in renal units.