Evaluation of the effect of Benson's relaxation technique on pain and quality of life of haemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Haemodialysis patients may suffer from pain and impairment of quality of life. Some complementary interventions, such as relaxation therapy, might affect the pain and quality of life. The present study aimed to identify the effectiveness of Benson's relaxation technique in relieving pain and improving the quality of life in haemodialysis patients.

Study design: The study was a randomized controlled trial.

Setting and participants: The data were collected in two haemodialysis units affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. A total of 86 haemodialysis patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention (receiving Benson's relaxation technique) or the control group (routine care) from 2011 to 2012.

Intervention: The patients in the intervention groups listened to the audiotape of relaxation technique twice a day each time for 20min for eight weeks.

Measurements and outcomes: The pain numeric rating scale and Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index-dialysis version questionnaire were completed at baseline and 8 weeks after the intervention. The data were analyzed using independent t-test and ANCOVA.

Results: The results of ANCOVA showed a significant difference between the intervention and the control group concerning the mean score of the intensity of pain (F=6.03, p=0.01). Moreover, a significant difference was found between the intervention and the control group regarding the total quality of life (F=10.20, p=0.002) and health-functioning (F=8.64, p=0.004), socioeconomic (F=12.45, p=0.001), and family (F=8.52, p=0.005) subscales of quality of life.

Conclusion: These findings indicated that Benson's relaxation technique might relieve the intensity of pain and improve the quality of life in haemodialysis patients. Thus, Benson's relaxation technique could be used as part of the care practice for relieving the pain intensity and improvement of the quality of life in haemodialysis patients.

Keywords: Haemodialysis; Pain; Quality of life; Relaxation therapy.