DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i04.004

Pages: 443-449

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term progressive disorder characterized by a gradual decline in renal function, often necessitating renal replacement therapy such as hemodialysis. Although hemodialysis sustains life in patients with end-stage renal disease, it is accompanied by various discomforts. Pain during arteriovenous (AV) fistula cannulation and intradialytic muscle cramps are common complications that affect patient comfort and adherence to treatment. Repeated puncturing of the AV fistula leads to tissue and vascular irritation, while fluid and electrolyte imbalances during dialysis contribute to muscle cramps. Non-pharmacological nursing strategies have been found effective in managing these issues. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cutaneous stimulation and intradialytic massage on pain and muscle cramp levels among patients with AV fistula undergoing hemodialysis. Methodology: A randomized pre-test post-test design was adopted. A total of 100 hemodialysis patients with AV fistula were selected from dialysis units at HSK Hospital, Bagalkot, and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean, standard deviation, t-test, and chi-square test. Results: The mean AV fistula puncture pain score in the experimental group (2.16 ± 0.73) was significantly lower than in the control group (3.14 ± 0.83) (t = 11.13, p < 0.0001). Similarly, the mean leg cramp score was lower in the experimental group (11.9 ± 1.68) compared to the control group (13.8 ± 1.44) (t = 7.025, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The study proved that administration of selected nursing interventions – cutaneous stimulation and intradialytic massage on reduction of pain and cramps among hemodialysis patients with the AV Fistula was effective, scientific, logicaland cost- effective strategy.