Acupressure Vs Cold Application: Impact on Pentavalent Vaccination Pain and Physiological Parameters in Infants

Abstract

Introduction:Childhood immunization represents one of the most significant achievements in modern                                                     medicine and public health, saving millions of lives each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, vaccination procedures often cause pain and distress in infants, which can lead to fear and anxiety during subsequent medical encounters. Pain management, therefore, plays a crucial role not only in reducing immediate discomfort but also in enhancing the overall quality of life.

Objectives: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of acupressure and cold application on pain and physiological parameters among infants .

Methods: A crossover research design was adopted for the study. Sixty infants were randomly allocated into two groups. Group I received acupressure, while Group II received cold application. After a four-week washout period, the interventions were interchanged. Pain intensity was assessed using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), and physiological parameters such as heart rate and oxygen saturation were measured using a pulse oximeter.

Results: The mean age of infants in Group I and II was 1.97 ± 0.51 and  1.77 ± 0.45 months. During vaccination, the mean heart rate increased, and oxygen saturation decreased significantly in both groups, indicating a physiological response to pain. No significant crossover effect was observed, suggesting that the order of interventions did not influence the infants’ pain perception or physiological responses.

Conclusions: The findings of the study indicate that both acupressure and cold application are effective in alleviating pain associated with pentavalent vaccination among infants. These interventions are simple, safe, low-cost, and easy to administer, with a rapid onset of action.