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International Journal of
Nursing and Health Research
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VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
A study to evaluate the effectiveness of foot reflexology on physiological parameters among the primigravid mothers with pre-eclampsia at selected hospitals of Rohtas, Bihar
Authors
Dr. K Latha, Anu Kumari
Abstract

Background: Pre-eclampsia is one of the most serious hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, significantly increasing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, particularly among primigravid women. Non-pharmacological complementary therapies such as foot reflexology are gaining recognition for their potential role in reducing physiological stress responses.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of foot reflexology on physiological parameters (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and proteinuria) among primigravid mothers with pre-eclampsia at selected hospitals of Rohtas, Bihar.

Methods: A true experimental pre-test post-test control group design was adopted. Sixty primigravid mothers diagnosed with pre-eclampsia were selected using simple random sampling (30 Study, 30 control). Foot reflexology was administered for 30 minutes daily for 5 consecutive days. Physiological parameters were recorded before and after intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (mean, SD) and inferential statistics (paired t-test, unpaired t-test, chi-square test) using SPSS Version 30.

Results: The experimental group showed a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (152.43±7.28 vs. 138.27±5.62 mmHg; p<0.001), diastolic blood pressure (97.60±6.14 vs. 87.33±5.08 mmHg; p<0.001), heart rate (96.73±7.02 vs. 84.40±5.87 bpm; p<0.001), and proteinuria levels (p<0.001). No significant change was observed in the control group.

Conclusion: Foot reflexology is an effective, safe, and low-cost complementary nursing intervention for managing physiological parameters in primigravid mothers with pre-eclampsia. It is recommended as an adjunct to standard obstetric care.
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Pages:69-75
How to cite this article:
Dr. K Latha, Anu Kumari "A study to evaluate the effectiveness of foot reflexology on physiological parameters among the primigravid mothers with pre-eclampsia at selected hospitals of Rohtas, Bihar". International Journal of Nursing and Health Research, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 69-75

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A study to evaluate the effectiveness of foot reflexology on physiological parameters among the primigravid mothers with pre-eclampsia at selected hospitals of Rohtas, Bihar | International Journal of Nursing and Health Research