Vol. 2, Issue 6, Part K (2016)

Abstract
Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are common form of chronic hemodialysis access. Pain during areteriovenous fistula (AVF) cannulation remains a common problem in hemodialysis patients. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of cold application on pre procedure pain due to arteriovenous fistula puncture in hemodialysis patients. A simple random sampling technique was used for selecting sample of 60 patients (30 each in experimental and control groups) who were undergoing hemodialysis by using AVF. Hemodialysis patients, who met the inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The tools used were sociodemographic data and subjective pain scoring was done by using numerical rating scale. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics such as paired t-tests, Independent t-test, Chi square were used. The study finding reveals that the subjective pain scores were found to be significantly (P = 0.01) reduced within the experimental group by cold application. This study highlights the need for adopting the alternative methods for reducing the pain at AV fistula cannulation site in health care settings.