Effects of the Combination of Auricular Acupressure and a Fluid-Restriction Adherence Program on Salivary Flow Rate, Xerostomia, Fluid Control, Interdialytic Weight Gain, and Diet-Related Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

Adherence to fluid-restriction is a clinical priority in nephrology care. This study examines the effects of a combination of auricular acupressure (AA) and a fluid-restriction adherence program on the salivary flow rate, xerostomia, fluid control, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG), and diet-related quality of life (DQOL) among hemodialysis patients in South Korea. Using a quasi-experimental design, 84 hemodialysis patients were assigned to the experimental group (AA + fluid-restriction adherence program; n = 29), the comparison group (fluid-restriction adherence program; n = 27), and the control group (usual care; n = 28). The program lasted 6 weeks, and data were collected at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 4 months post-intervention. There was a significant interaction between group and time for salivary flow rate, fluid control, IDWG, and DQOL (all p < 0.005). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had a significantly improved salivary flow rate, fluid control, IDWG, and DQOL at weeks 6 and 22, whereas the comparison group had improved fluid control and DQOL at week 6. The combination of AA and a fluid-restriction adherence program could be provided to hemodialysis patients as cost-effective, safe, and complementary interventions to promote sustainable patient adherence to fluid-restriction.