The Effect of Healing Touch Therapy and Dzikr on the Quality of Life of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common non-communicable diseases and remains a major global health challenge. This chronic metabolic disorder develops progressively and requires lifelong treatment and self-management. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), the global prevalence of diabetes continues to increase, affecting millions of people worldwide and contributing substantially to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Beyond its physical complications, T2DM can negatively affect patients' psychological well-being, social functioning, and overall quality of life. Improving the quality of life of patients with T2DM has therefore become an important objective of diabetes management. In addition to pharmacological treatment, complementary therapies such as healing touch and dzikir have gained attention for their potential benefits in enhancing physical comfort, reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving spiritual well-being. These interventions may contribute to better adaptation to chronic illness and ultimately improve patients' quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effect of healing touch and dzikir therapy on the quality of life of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Specifically, the study sought to identify patients' quality of life before and after receiving healing touch and dzikir therapy and to compare changes in quality of life between the intervention group and the control group. This research was conducted on DM patients at Kayen Health Center, Kayen District, Pati Regency. This study uses a quantitative approach. The quantitative approach is used to see the causal relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. Based on its level of explanation, this study is an associative type of research with a causal relationship pattern. The study involved 44 respondents divided into an intervention group (n=22) and a control group (n=22) with relatively homogeneous characteristics. The average quality of life score in the intervention group increased from 68.36 to 93.36 (a difference of 25.00 points), while in the control group it increased from 68.36 to 69.41 (a difference of 1.05 points). The paired t-test results showed a significant increase in the intervention group (p<0.001), while in the control group it was not significant (p=0.489). Comparison between the two groups also showed a significant difference (p<0.001), indicating that healing touch and dhikr therapy are effective in improving the quality of life of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Healing touch therapy and dhikr have been proven effective in improving the quality of life of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. The average quality of life score in the intervention group increased from 68.36 to 93.36, while the control group did not show any significant improvement. Statistical test results indicated a significant effect of healing touch therapy and dhikr on the quality of life of Diabetes Mellitus patients. 2 (p<0,001). The study involved 44 respondents divided into an intervention group (n=22) and a control group (n=22) with relatively homogeneous characteristics. The average quality of life score in the intervention group increased from 68.36 to 93.36 (a difference of 25.00 points), while in the control group it increased from 68.36 to 69.41 (a difference of 1.05 points). The paired t-test results showed a significant increase in the intervention group (p<0.001), while in the control group it was not significant (p=0.489). Comparison between the two groups also showed a significant difference (p<0.001), indicating that healing touch and dhikr therapy are effective in improving the quality of life of patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.