Effects of Auricular Acupressure Therapy on Musculoskeletal Pain, Depression and Sleep of the Elderly in Long-term Care Facilities

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate the effects of auricular acupressure on musculoskeletal pain, depression and sleep of the elderly who are institutionalized in long-term care facilities. METHODS: The research was conducted in a non-equivalent control group and non-synchronized design with data collected from October to December, 2016. The subjects were from long-term care facilities for the elderly in D city and divided into an experimental group (24 subjects) and a control group (25 subjects). RESULTS: After the intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvement in degree of musculoskeletal pain on time (χ2=23.89, p < .001) and degree of depression on time and group (χ2=37.42, p < .001, U=122.0, p < 001) and degree of sleep on time (χ2=33.62, p < .001). Thus, the suggested hypothesis is partially supported. CONCLUSION: Auricular acupressure therapy is expected to be a practical and efficient nursing intervention for the elderly institutionalized in long-term care facilities.