A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EPSOM SALT WITH HOT WATER AND HOT WATER ONLY FOR JOINT PAIN AMONG OLD AGE PEOPLE IN A SELECTED RURAL AREA OF HARYANA

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Knee pain in older adults is common the globe over. It is the second commonest reason for chronic pain and chronic pain is the most common reason for long-term disability. Various kinds of treatment are accessible for knee joint pain like pharmacological therapy, non-pharmacological therapy, and surgery. But the risk and side effects of non-pharmacological treatment are less as compared to other therapies and available at low cost also. Epsom salt with warm water is a treatment that reduces joint pain, inflammation and swelling and can be done easily at home.

OBJECTIVES: Objectives of the study were to: (1) To assess and compare the effectiveness of Epsom salt with hot water & hot water only on the joint pain among old age people who are exposed to Epsom salt with hot water (experimental group I) and who are exposed to hot water only (experimental group II). (2) To determine the association of joint pain among old age people who are exposed to Epsom salt with hot water (experimental group I) and to hot water only (experimental group II) with selected variables i.e. age, gender, education qualification, occupation, co-morbidity, duration of pain, exercise.

METHODS: Quantitative experimental research approach was used for the study. The research design adopted was a pre-experimental two-group pre-test and post-test design. The research setting selected for the study was village Assan, Rohtak, Haryana. The population was old age people above 50 years of age with knee joint pain. 60 samples, 30 in each group i.e., experimental group I (Epsom salt with hot water) and experimental group II (hot water only) were selected by purposive sampling technique. Tools used for data collection was structured interview schedule for sample characteristics and pain level was assessed by a global pain rating scale (standard tool). In the experimental group I intervention of Epsom salt with hot water application for 10 consecutive days twice a day for 20 minutes was given. In experimental group II hot water only, application was given for the same period and frequency as in experimental group I.

RESULTS: The major findings of the study were: The mean post-test joint pain scores 26.38 is lower than the mean pre-test joint pain scores 43.25 of experimental group I i.e., Epsom salt with hot water. (t=16.95, p<0.01 level of significance). The mean post-test joint pain scores 33.4 is lower than the mean pre-test joint pain scores 43.03 of experimental group II (hot water only). (t=28.57, p<0.01 level of significance). The mean post-test joint pain scores of experimental group I (Epsom salt with hot water) 26.38 is lower than the mean post-test joint pain scores of experimental group II (hot water only) 33.4. (t=4.54, p<0.01 level of significance). Chi-square test in both experimental group I (Epsom salt with hot water) & experimental group II (hot water only) indicates that there is no significant association between the post-test joint pain scores of old age people with their selected variables i.e., age, gender, education qualification, occupation, co-morbidity, duration of pain, exercise. 

CONCLUSION: The study concludes that Epsom salt with hot water application is more effective as compared to hot water application only in reducing the joint pain among old age people.