International Archives of Medical Sciences and Public Health
Vol. 7 No. 1 (2026): International Archives of Medical Sciences and Public Health

ASSOCIATION OF SIPPING ICE THERAPY WITH THIRST AND XEROSTOMIA AMONG ADULT HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: AN EXPLORATORY AND A QUASI-EXPERIMENTAL PRETEST–POSTTEST STUDY

Moh Faris K.L. Harahap (Nursing Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya, Tasikmalaya, 46115, Indonesia)
Asep Kuswandi (Nursing Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya, Tasikmalaya, 46115, Indonesia)
Dewi Aryanti (Nursing Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya, Tasikmalaya, 46115, Indonesia)
Yanti Cahyati (Nursing Department, Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya, Tasikmalaya, 46115, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Jul 2026

Abstract

Thirst and xerostomia are distressing symptoms in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study examined the association between sipping ice therapy and these symptoms among adult HD patients. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study with a non-equivalent control group was conducted at Banjar Hospital, Indonesia. Forty adults were allocated via purposive sampling to an intervention (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The intervention group received sipping ice therapy (5 ?mL ice cubes, up to eight daily) for six consecutive days at home, while controls received routine care. Symptoms were measured using the Dialysis Thirst Inventory and Summate Xerostomia Inventory. The intervention group demonstrated significant reductions in median thirst and xerostomia categories from severe to mild (both p < 0.001), whereas no significant changes occurred in controls. Posttest between group comparisons strongly favored the intervention for reducing thirst (p < 0.001,r = 0.91) and xerostomia (p < 0.001,r = 0.88). Sipping ice therapy substantially reduces thirst and xerostomia in adult HD patients, serving as a feasible, non-pharmacological adjunct in nephrology nursing care. Future multi-center randomized trials are warranted.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

iamsph

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

International Archives of Medical Sciences and Public Health is a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to disseminating and discussing scientific literature and other health-related research. This journal is intended to serve as a forum for communication between stakeholders in health research, including ...