The Effect of Foot Massage Applied to Turkish Women Living in Rural Areas on Sexual Distress and Sexual Self-Confidence: A Randomized Controlled Study

Introduction: This study was conducted to determine the effect of foot massage applied to women with sexual distress in rural areas on sexual distress and sexual self-confidence.

Material and methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted with women who applied to a family health center located in a rural area in northern Turkey and who had sexual distress. The research sample consisted of 84 women, 42 of whom were in the experimental group and 42 in the control group. While foot massage consisting of eight sessions and lasting 4 weeks was applied to the women in the experimental group, no such intervention was applied to the control group. Research data were collected by Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) and Sexual Self-Confidence Scale (SSS).

Results: It was determined that the pre-intervention sexual distress and sexual self-confidence levels of the women in the experimental and control groups were similar and that the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). After the intervention, it was determined that the mean FSDS-R scores of the women in the experimental group decreased significantly, while the mean SSS score increased significantly, and the difference between the groups was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Foot massage can be used to reduce the level of sexual distress and increase sexual self-confidence in women with sexual distress. Health professionals who provide health services can use foot massage to positively improve sexuality in women.