Effect of Localized Cold Compress on Pain Severity with the Subcutaneous Injection of Enoxaparin: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Subcutaneous injection of enoxaparin causes local reactions, such as bruising and pain at the injection site. The pain induced by subcutaneous injection may lead to anxiety, fear of needle, and distrust in healthcare providers in the long run. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of topical cold compress on bruising and pain intensity at the subcutaneous injection site of enoxaparin. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 100 patients in five groups. In the control group, subcutaneous injection was performed using the routine method. In the intervention groups, local cold compress was applied five minutes prior to the injection, five minutes before and following the injection, five minutes after the injection, 20 minutes following the injection, and five minutes before and 20 minutes following the injection within 10 seconds. Data were collected using a researcher-made checklist containing two sections of individual characteristics and pain severity. In addition, pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) immediately after each injection. Results: Group five showed a significant difference with the control group only in the mean pain severity (P < 0.05), while the mean pain intensity scores had no significant difference in the other groups compared to the control group. Conclusions: According to the results, the application of local cold compress before and after the subcutaneous injection of enoxaparin sodium could effectively reduce pain intensity at the injection site.