Effect of Jacobson’s Relaxation Technique on Fatigue Level Among Children Receiving Hemodialysis

Background: Children undergoing hemodialysis often experience fatigue that impairs their daily functioning and wellbeing, highlighting the need for complementary therapies such as Jacobson relaxation technique. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of Jacobson’s relaxation technique on fatigue level among children receiving hemodialysis. Research Design: One group (pre-posttest) quasi experimental research design was used in this study. Setting: The study was conducted in the Pediatric hemodialysis unit at Minia University Hospital for Obstetric and Pediatrics (MUHOP). Sample: A convenient sample included all children (45) having known as end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis over a period of three months from the beginning of July 2024 to the end of September 2024. Tools: Two tools were used in this study. Tool I: A structured interview schedule, it consists of two parts: Part 1: Bio-demographic data, Part 2: Physiological parameters of the child. Tool II: Pediatric multidimensional fatigue scale. Results: The current study revealed that the majority of children undergoing hemodialysis exhibited severe fatigue levels before application of Jacobson’s relaxation technique, in contrast to the minority after third weeks of application with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant reduction in the total mean of heart rate & respiratory rate and an increase in the total mean of oxygen saturation after the application compared to pre application of Jacobson relaxation technique (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Jacobson relaxation technique effectively decreases fatigue level among children received hemodialysis evidenced by significantly reduction of the total level of multidimensional fatigue scale following its application. Recommendations: Jacobson relaxation technique should be applied as a therapeutic routine management for children received hemodialysis and suffering from fatigue.