Abstract:
Hyperthermia is a condition characterized by an elevated body temperature that requires prompt and appropriate management. Warm compresses are a non-pharmacological intervention that can help reduce body temperature through peripheral vasodilation. The groin and axillary areas have vascular structures that may support heat dissipation; however, the effectiveness of these two locations may differ. This study aimed to analyze the difference in the effectiveness of warm compresses applied to the groin and axillary areas in reducing body temperature among hyperthermic patients at Reksa Waluya Hospital, Mojokerto. This study employed a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental design using a pretest-posttest two-group design. The sample consisted of 36 respondents, divided into groin and axillary groups, with 18 respondents in each group, selected using consecutive sampling. The intervention involved warm compresses at a temperature of 30–32°C for 10–15 minutes, with a digital thermometer and observation sheet used as research instruments. The mean body temperature in the groin group decreased from 39.339°C to 38.489°C, with a reduction of 0.850°C, while the axillary group decreased from 39.094°C to 38.389°C, with a reduction of 0.706°C. The Paired Samples t-Test showed p < 0.001 in both groups, while the Independent Samples t-Test showed t = 2.909, df = 34, and p = 0.006 (<0.05), with a Mean Difference of 0.144°C. The results showed that warm compresses applied to both locations were effective in helping reduce body temperature in hyperthermic patients; however, the groin area demonstrated a greater reduction in body temperature and was more effective than the axillary area.
