Effectiveness of self-administered acupressure intervention in managing constipation of adult psychiatric out-patient – a pilot study
- 1School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong.
- 2Hospital Authority Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a nurse-delivered, self-administered acupressure protocol for psychiatric outpatients with constipation; to examine preliminary effects on constipation severity and constipation-related quality of life; and to document changes in laxative use and psychotropic medication during the intervention. Background: Constipation is common among psychiatric patients receiving second-generation antipsychotics. Pharmacological treatments may cause adverse effects, while existing non-pharmacological approaches are resource intensive. A safe, low-cost, patient-centred, self-administered intervention is needed. Design: This pilot study used a single-group pretest–posttest design with assessments at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Convenience sampling recruited Hong Kong Chinese psychiatric outpatients aged 18–60 years who met Rome IV criteria for constipation and were clinically stable. Methods: Participants attended a three-hour home training session, delivered by a Community Psychiatric Nurse, on a self-administered acupressure protocol, followed by a 10-day home practice period. Feasibility was assessed by adherence. Constipation severity was measured with the Chinese Constipation Assessment Scale, and constipation-related quality of life with the Chinese Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire. Laxative use and psychotropic regimens were recorded. Results: Seventy-two participants were recruited. Adherence to the 10-day protocol was 100%. Constipation Assessment Scale scores decreased by 2.28 points, while quality-of-life scores improved by 17.01 points. Reduced laxative reliance was observed without changes in psychotropic regimens. Conclusions: Nurse-delivered training in self-administered acupressure appears feasible, acceptable, and low-cost for managing constipation in psychiatric outpatients, with promising improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
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BibTeX
@article{wong2026effectiveness,
title = {{Effectiveness of self-administered acupressure intervention in managing constipation of adult psychiatric out-patient – a pilot study}},
author = {Wai Kit Wong and Oi Yin Jessica Wong and Ching Chuen Law and King Leong Wong and Yuen Ling Man and Tak Shing Chun and Sek Lim Leong and Wai Ming Lee and Alex Chan and Ng Ka Yan and Pui Yu Tam},
journal = {International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1016/j.ijnsa.2026.100712},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnsa.2026.100712},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Effectiveness of self-administered acupressure intervention in managing constipation of adult psychiatric out-patient – a pilot study
AU - Wai Kit Wong
AU - Oi Yin Jessica Wong
AU - Ching Chuen Law
AU - King Leong Wong
AU - Yuen Ling Man
AU - Tak Shing Chun
AU - Sek Lim Leong
AU - Wai Ming Lee
AU - Alex Chan
AU - Ng Ka Yan
AU - Pui Yu Tam
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/18
JO - International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances
DO - 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2026.100712
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnsa.2026.100712
AB - Aims: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a nurse-delivered, self-administered acupressure protocol for psychiatric outpatients with constipation; to examine preliminary effects on constipation severity and constipation-related quality of life; and to document changes in laxative use and psychotropic medication during the intervention. Background: Constipation is common among psychiatric patients receiving second-generation antipsychotics. Pharmacological treatments may cause adverse effects, while existing non-pharmacological approaches are resource intensive. A safe, low-cost, patient-centred, self-administered intervention is needed. Design: This pilot study used a single-group pretest–posttest design with assessments at baseline and immediately post-intervention. Convenience sampling recruited Hong Kong Chinese psychiatric outpatients aged 18–60 years who met Rome IV criteria for constipation and were clinically stable. Methods: Participants attended a three-hour home training session, delivered by a Community Psychiatric Nurse, on a self-administered acupressure protocol, followed by a 10-day home practice period. Feasibility was assessed by adherence. Constipation severity was measured with the Chinese Constipation Assessment Scale, and constipation-related quality of life with the Chinese Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire. Laxative use and psychotropic regimens were recorded. Results: Seventy-two participants were recruited. Adherence to the 10-day protocol was 100%. Constipation Assessment Scale scores decreased by 2.28 points, while quality-of-life scores improved by 17.01 points. Reduced laxative reliance was observed without changes in psychotropic regimens. Conclusions: Nurse-delivered training in self-administered acupressure appears feasible, acceptable, and low-cost for managing constipation in psychiatric outpatients, with promising improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
SN - 2666-142X
ER -