Effectiveness of acupressure on the experience of nausea and vomiting among patients receiving chemotherapy

The study was conducted for a period of six weeks among 40 cancer patients selected by purposive sampling to explore the impact of acupressure on nausea and vomiting for patients receiving chemotherapy. Data were gathered using a semi-structured interview schedule, semi-structured questionnaire and Rhodes’ index of nausea, vomiting and retching. The research design was a quasi experimental ‘post-test only, control group design’. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics involving frequency, percentage, Chi square and independent ‘t’ test. Results of the study showed that the subjects in the experimental group experienced mild (65%) to moderate (35%) nausea and vomiting, whereas the subjects in the control group experienced moderate (35%) to severe (65%) nausea and vomiting, t (38)= 2.693, 8.270, 8.401 respectively for days 1, 2 and 3; p < 0.05). The results point to the fact that acupressure is effective in reducing nausea and vomiting among patients receiving chemotherapy