Effectiveness of P6 Acupressure on Nausea, Vomiting and Retching Among Patients Receiving Chemotherapy in Selected Hospitals of Indore City

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting and retching can interfere with nutrition, daily functioning and treatment experiences. P6 acupressure is a non-pharmacological supportive measure investigated for alleviating these symptoms. Objective: To evaluate changes in nausea, vomiting and retching following P6 acupressure among patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A quasi-experimental, non-randomized control-group design was used with 40 patients recruited through convenience sampling at hospital, Indore. Twenty participants were allocated to each group. Symptoms were assessed using the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching (RINVR) on day 2 and reassessed on day 5. The experimental group received P6 acupressure on days 2–4; the comparison group did not receive the study intervention. Results: Mean symptom scores declined from 23.05 to 8.15 in the experimental group and from 22.95 to 19.25 in the control group. The reported between-group post-test comparison was statistically significant (t=8.18, df=38, reported p=0.000). Conclusion: The findings indicate lower post-intervention symptom scores in the acupressure group. Because allocation was non-randomized and the sample was small, causal interpretation should remain cautious.