Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Nefroloji Hemsireligi Dergisi, cilt.20, sa.2, ss.125-138, 2025 (Scopus)
Aim: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of warm water foot baths on fatigue levels in individuals with chronic kidney disease. Materials and Methods: The PRISMA reporting guidelines were used in the preparation and reporting of this systematic review. Articles were identified through a literature search conducted between June 1 and June 28, 2024, using the databases GOOGLE SCHOLAR, SCIENCE DIRECT, TURKISH MEDLINE, ULAKBIM, COCHRANE, and PUBMED. To minimize the risk of bias, literature search processes were carried out separately by researchers. Studies that met the inclusion criteria and had experimental/quasi-experimental, randomized or non-randomized controlled designs were included in the review. A data extraction tool developed by the researchers was used to summarize and present the findings. The studies assessed the effectiveness of warm water foot baths on fatigue in patients with chronic kidney disease, including those receiving and not receiving hemodialysis. Fatigue was measured using the Piper Fatigue Scale in three studies, a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in one study, and the Fatigue Severity Scale in another. Fatigue assessments were conducted immediately after the intervention and at the latest within one week. Conclusion: Five studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 88 participants. One study employed a randomized controlled design, two were quasi-experimental with control groups, and two were quasi-experimental single-group pretest–post-test designs. All studies reported that warm foot baths reduced fatigue. This systematic review supports the integration of warm water foot baths into nursing care for patients with chronic kidney disease. However, given the currently limited evidence base, further high-quality studies are recommended to strengthen the evidence of the intervention's effectiveness.