Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of meridian acupressure on constipation in bed-ridden aged inpatients. Methods: The research design was a non-synchronized non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The subjects consisted of 28 bed-ridden aged inpatients. Meridian acupressure was administered to the experimental group at 30 minutes before breakfast every morning for two weeks. Each meridian was pressured for 10 seconds, 10 times. The frequency of defecation and stool form were examined every day. The data was analyzed by the $x^2$-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The experimental group given Meridian Acupressure had a higher frequency of defecation(F = 59.372, p = .000) and normal stool(F = 46.046, p = .000) than the control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that Meridian Acupressure was an effective method for the relief of constipation for bed-ridden aged inpatients. A follow -up research is needed to validate that other patients with constipation can use the Meridian Acupressure as a non-invasive nursing intervention instead of a laxative or enema.

Keywords

• Acupressure;
• Constipation;
• aged;
• stroke

• 경혈지압;
• 변비;
• 뇌졸중;
• 와상노인;