정유를 이용한 복부 마사지가 여성 척추수술 환자의 변비에 미치는 효과

Abstract

Background: Constipation is one of the common health problems among spinal surgery patients. Abdominal massage with essential oils may an effective nursing intervention to relieve constipation among spinal surgery patients. Purpose : The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of abdominal massage with essential oils on constipation among spinal surgery women patients. Methods : A non-equivalent control-group pretest-posttest design was used. The sample of 38 women who underwent spinal surgery and who reported 4 or greater constipation assessment score were conveniently allocated into two groups. The experimental group received abdominal massage with essential oils and medicine for intestinal disorders (n = 19), while the control group received only medicine for intestinal disorders (n = 19). The experimental group received a 10 minute abdominal massage with essential oils for 7days from second day of post operation. Frequency of defecation, frequency of use of laxatives, constipation assessment score, and date of first defecation were measured as outcome variables. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, and χ²-test. Results: The experimental group reported significantly less symptoms of constipation which measured by constipation assessment scale than those of control group. Moreover, the frequency of laxative use on experimental group was significantly less than that of control group and the date of first defecation on experimental group was significantly faster than that of control group. However, the frequency of defecation was not significantly different between groups. Conclusions: Considering the results of this study, abdominal massage with essential oils is an effective, non invasive, and easily administered nursing intervention to relieve constipation underwent after spinal surgery. Further research is needed with more rigorous research design to identify the effects of abdominal massage with essential oils.