Effectiveness of Nursing Learning Package of Abdominal Massage for Relieving Constipation among Community Dwelling Older Adults

Abstract

Background: Constipation is among the most frequently reported health problems in old-age people, with significant negative impacts on their health, and quality of life. Aim of study: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of an abdominal massage learning package in relieving constipation among older adults. Setting: conducted in outpatient clinic beni-suef university hospitals & two Geriatric Social Clubs in Beni-Suef city. Subjects: on 100 older adults suffering from constipation in the setting. Method: A quasi-experimental study Tools: A structured interview questionnaire sheet was used to collect pre-post data concerning knowledge about constipation and reported practices of abdominal massage. The training program was implemented and its effectiveness after three months. Results: The sample had equal gender distribution. Satisfactory knowledge significantly improved from 53% to 98%, and adequate practice from 30% to 65% post-intervention (p<0.001). The problem of constipation showed significant improvement with 74% reporting relief at the post-intervention phase (p<0.001). The predictors of the relief of constipation were the practice score and the knowledge of the benefits of abdominal massage, Odds Ratios 1.66 and 1.58, respectively. Conclusion: Training older adults in abdominal massage technique is effective in relieving their constipation. Recommendations: The technique should be used in geriatric care in various community and healthcare settings. Further research is proposed to assess its effect on older adults’ quality of life.