EFFECTIVENESS OF WARM WATER FOOT BATH THERAPY ON CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE AMONG PATIENTS RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY: A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Author Name: 1. Arjun Lal Kumawat 2. Dr. Jasmine Santha J

Volume/Issue: 06/09

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/03.2026-64376927/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Ph.D. Scholar, Nirwan University Jaipur, India.
2. Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Nirwan University Jaipur, India.

ABSTRACT

Background: Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent and distressing symptoms among patients undergoing chemotherapy, significantly affecting physical functioning, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Pharmacological management alone is often insufficient, highlighting the need for safe, low-cost, nurse-led non-pharmacological interventions. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of warm water foot bath therapy on fatigue among patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was adopted. The study was conducted among patients undergoing chemotherapy in selected hospitals. Par ticipants were assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received warm water foot bath therapy for a specified duration over consecutive days, while the control group received routine care. Fatigue levels were assessed using a standardized fatigue scale before and after intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Post-intervention fatigue scores showed a statistically significant reduction in the experimental group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that warm water foot bath therapy effectively reduces chemotherapy-related fatigue. Conclusion: Warm water foot bath therapy is a simple, safe, economical, and effective nursing intervention for managing fatigue among chemotherapy patients. It can be integrated into routine oncology nursing practice to enhance patient comfort and quality of life.

Key words: Cancer-related fatigue, Chemotherapy, Warm water foot bath therapy, Non-pharmacological intervention, Oncology nursing, Complementary therapy