- Title
- Feasibility of acupressure intervention to promote sleep quality of older people in residential aged care facilities: a mixed method study
- Creator
- Hmwe, Nant Thin Thin
- Relation
- University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Thesis
- Resource Type
- thesis
- Date
- 2021
- Description
- Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Description
- Background: Sleep disturbance is a common health issue in older people, contributing to poor health status and quality of life. Effective non-pharmacological intervention strategies have the potential to help manage sleep problems in this population group. Acupressure is a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modality which has the potential to address sleep problems in older people. However, there is inconclusive evidence on the effectiveness of acupressure from past studies due to methodological limitations, as well as variation in acupressure techniques and selection of acupoints. Furthermore, there exists a lack of studies conducted in Australia aged care settings. Therefore, this research project was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of an acupressure intervention in residential aged care within an Australian context. Objectives: The objectives of conducting this research project were: 1) To explore older people’s knowledge, experiences, and perception of CAM and acupressure, and their willingness to accept acupressure. 2) To evaluate the effects of an acupressure intervention on sleep quality, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among older people in Australian residential aged care. 3) To examine participants’ experiences and perceptions of receiving an acupressure intervention program in residential aged care. 4) To evaluate the feasibility of conducting an acupressure intervention in an Australian residential aged care context. Designs and methods: This research project used an experimental mixed methods design which involves a two-phase sequential approach. In phase one, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured individual interviews. In phase two, a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) and qualitative process evaluation were conducted. Study participants were randomly assigned into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received 12-minute acupressure three time a week for four weeks, and the control group received routine care only. The primary outcome was sleep quality, and secondary outcomes were anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Data were collected before the intervention, at the end of a four-week acupressure intervention, and two weeks after the end of the intervention. Participants assigned to the intervention group were invited for individual interviews to evaluate the acupressure intervention. Results: The phase one qualitative study found diverse views on CAM and acupressure among older people (n=15). Most of the participants were open to the use of CAMs and willing to accept acupressure. In the phase two pilot RCT, a total of 23 participants were assigned randomly into intervention (n=12) and control groups (n=11). The results indicated that acupressure significantly improved overall subjective sleep quality (p < .001). The objective sleep data showed improving trends but failed to reach the significant level. Acupressure had a significant effect on reducing anxiety (p < .001), but no significant effect on depression and quality of life. In the qualitative evaluation, participants’ feedback on the intervention program was positive and they were satisfied with the acupressure sessions (n=12). Participants perceived that acupressure had potential health benefits on sleep, emotional wellbeing, and general health. Conclusion: The overall study findings supported the feasibility and clinical usefulness of acupressure in an Australian residential aged care context. The quantitative outcomes indicated promising effects of the acupressure intervention on sleep and anxiety. The qualitative evaluation supported the acceptability and perceived benefits of the acupressure intervention on sleep and wellbeing of the study’s participants. Therefore, the acupressure intervention could be beneficial and applicable in residential aged care within Australia context. Conducting future studies with a rigorous protocol and larger sample sizes is recommended to obtain higher levels of evidence for integrating acupressure in practice settings.
- Subject
- acupressure; older people; residential aged care; sleep quality; anxiety; depression; quality of life; thesis by publication
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1507243
- Identifier
- uon:55992
- Rights
- Copyright 2021 Nant Thin Thin Hmwe
- Language
- eng
- Full Text
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| Thumbnail | File | Description | Size | Format | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| View Details Download | ATTACHMENT01 | Thesis | 19 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download | ||
| View Details Download | ATTACHMENT02 | Abstract | 2 MB | Adobe Acrobat PDF | View Details Download |