Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a major public health problem affecting millions of people all
around the world. Which can lead to considerable physical disability and is associated with an
increased risk of psychological distress, evidence revealed that reflexology as well as meditation
techniques may help to decrease pain and psychological distress in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Aim: to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology and meditation on physical, and psychological
outcomes among participant with rheumatoid arthritis. Research design: A quasi-experimental
research design was used to achieve the purpose of the present research using a pre-/post-test
approach. Setting: The current research was conducted in; the rheumatology department, and
outpatient clinic of university Hospital in Benha, Qalyubia Governorate, Egypt. Subject A
purposive sample of 90 patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are hospitalized in the Orthopedic
department at the previously mentioned setting. Samples were randomly selected and divided into
three groups of 30: Group A (foot reflexology massage), group B (meditation), and group C (control
group). Tools: Three tools were utilized to collect data: (I) a structured questionnaire for patients,
(II) patients’ physical outcomes involving Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Scale and Health Assessment
Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index, (III) patients’ psychological outcomes involving
psychological distress and coping self efficacy scales. Results: Total patients’ knowledge level
showed significant increase among reflexology and meditation groups than control group after
program implementation. There was a marked improvement in patients' outcomes reflexology and
meditation groups than control group after program implementation (P= |
