Effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on stress, anxiety, and depression after hysterectomy

Abstract

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is one the systematic techniques that could be utilized to obtain a deep state of relaxation. It is an important component of nursing care for gynecological postoperative patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation technique on stress, anxiety and depression after hysterectomy. A quasi experimental research design with a pretest-posttest control group was utilized. The study was conducted at the gynecological ward of National Medical Institution in Damanhour, Albehera Governorate. Collection of data consumed six months from starting of December 2014 until the end of May 2015. It comprised a purposive sample of 80 women who were undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. They were divided into two equal groups (study group and control group). Two tools were utilized to gather the necessary data; a socio-demographic structured interview schedule, and the Depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). Study results revealed that stress, anxiety and depression were statistically significantly decreased among the study group after the intervention (p = .000). The study concluded that the women who received progressive muscle relaxation technique after hysterectomy demonstrated lower stress, anxiety and depression levels than those who received only the routine nursing care. It is recommended that maternity and gynecological nursing should encourage the utilization of the progressive muscle relaxation technique to patients undergoing hysterectomy to minimize their stress, anxiety and depression.