Self-Administered Acupressure to Manage Constipation in Adult Psychiatric Inpatients

What this Trial Is About

Constipation is a common digestive condition that involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements. It affects about 14.3% of the population in Hong Kong and can cause serious health complications and reduced quality of life. Psychiatric patients, especially those taking antipsychotic or antidepressant medications, are at higher risk of constipation due to medication side effects and lifestyle factors. Managing constipation in this group is important but often overlooked. This study evaluates a self-administered acupressure intervention to manage constipation in adult psychiatric inpatients. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an acupressure group, which will apply pressure on five specific acupoints once daily for 10 days under nurse supervision, or a sham group using different sham points. The intervention sessions will be conducted in same-sex groups, preferably at least two hours after meals. Participants will be assessed before the intervention, immediately after, and at 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention. Researchers will measure constipation severity, number of spontaneous bowel movements, stool form, and use of medication for constipation relief. Quality of life will also be evaluated. The study aims to track these outcomes over time to understand acupressures potential benefits and monitor safety throughout the trial period.

Effectiveness of Self-Administered Acupressure Intervention in Managing Constipation of Adult Psychiatric In-Patient