The Effect of St. John's Wort Oil (Hypericum Perforatum L.) in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled and Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Reducing pain and improving physical function are critical in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Although individuals use St. John's Wort oil to relieve pain due to osteoarthritis, no scientific research has been found investigating its effectiveness. AIM: This study investigated the effect of St. John's Wort oil on pain intensity and physical functions in people with knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: This study adopted a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, and qualitative mixed design. The sample consisted of 60 patients randomized into intervention (n = 30) and placebo control (n=30) groups. The experimental group participants were treated with topically St. John's Wort oil three times a week for 3 weeks, and the placebo control group participants were treated with olive oil three times a week for 3 weeks. Quantitative data were collected using a patient identification form, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Visual Analogue Scale. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: The experimental group had a significantly lower mean Visual Analog Scale score in the first, third, and fourth follow-ups than the control group. The experimental group had significantly lower mean WOMAC-pain, WOMAC-stiffness, and WOMAC-physical function subscale scores in the last follow-up than in the first follow-up. The qualitative data agreed with the quantitative data. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that St. John's Wort oil helps people with knee osteoarthritis feel less pain and become physically more active. Additional research is warranted to better understand the effect of St. John's Wort oil on pain intensity and physical functions in people with knee osteoarthritis.

The effect of back massage with frankincense and myrrh oil before the cardiac electrophysiological procedure on back pain intensity and comfort: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Back pain is one of the most common problems experienced by patients after the cardiac electrophysiological study procedure. In addition, limitation of movement after the procedure negatively affects the comfort and satisfaction of patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of back massage with frankincense and myrrh oil on back pain severity and comfort in patients who were to undergo cardiac electrophysiological study. METHODS: This is a randomized controlled study with a pretest-posttest design. This study was conducted from October 2020 to March 2021, at the angio unit of a heart hospital at a university in Turkey. The study was completed with 30 patients in each group, a total of 90 people. Data were collected using a patient information form, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ). The intervention group and the placebo group received back massage with frankincense and myrrh essential oil and with jojoba fixed oil respectively. No intervention was applied to the control group. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the post-procedure VAS values according to the groups. Except for sociocultural comfort, there were significant differences between the groups in terms of GCQ total scores and subscales at the first and last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Back massage with frankincense and myrrh oil increased overall comfort, physical comfort, the psychospiritual comfort. Additional research with a rigorous design is needed to determine its effect on pain.

Acupressure for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Elderly Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Context: Fatigue is the most common symptom experienced by elderly cancer patients. It negatively affects their daily functioning and quality of life. Integrative approaches such as acupressure can be used to treat cancer-related fatigue in elderly patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acupressure on the severity and level of cancer-related fatigue in elderly patients with cancer. Design: This study was carried out in two stages comprising a quantitative study (pretest, posttest, randomized controlled) and a qualitative study (in-depth interview). Setting: The study was conducted at the hematology and medical oncology clinic in a university hospital in Turkey. Participants: The study included 31 cancer patients aged 65 and over, who were experiencing cancer-related fatigue. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to the acupressure group (intervention group) or the control group. The intervention group was administered acupressure on three acupuncture points on the hands and legs (LI4, SP6, ST36) by caregivers or the patients themselves for three minutes twice daily, for a period of four weeks. The acupressure group was examined before and after the four-week intervention. The control group was similarly examined though no intervention was applied. Outcome Measures: Data were collected using Patient Information Form, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS), and Acupressure Experience Patient Opinion Form. Results: In the follow-up examination of individuals in the acupressure group, there was a significant reduction in the severity and level of fatigue compared to the first examination. However, there was no significant difference between the first and second examination of individuals in the control group. The qualitative findings obtained during the in-depth interview support the quantitative findings of the study. Conclusion: Acupressure can be recommended as an integrative treatment for cancer-related fatigue because it is effective, easy to use, tolerable and does not cause serious side effects.

Effect of massage therapy with lavender oil on severity of restless legs syndrome and quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the effects of massage therapy using 5% lavender oil on the severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and the quality of life (QoL) of patients on hemodialysis (HD). DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a randomized placebo-controlled study with a pretest-posttest design. This study was conducted from January 30, 2019, to May 6, 2019, at HD centers in Turkey, and it includes 58 participants-31 study patients and 27 controls. Data were collected using patient identification form, RLS severity rating scale, Kidney Disease Quality of Life Scale (KDQOLTM -36) and patient follow-up charts. As per the massage therapy protocol, the patients in the study and control groups received massage therapy with lavender oil and baby oil, respectively. FINDINGS: RLS severity significantly decreased in all follow-up weeks in the study group and in the first, second, and third follow-up weeks in the control group. There were significant differences between the groups in terms of KDQOLTM -36 subscales and total scores at the initial and final follow-ups. CONCLUSION: In HD patients, massage with lavender oil lessened the severity of RLS and improved the QoL. Accordingly, this therapy can be recommended to HD patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Massage therapy during HD sessions is easy, inexpensive, and patient-friendly with no side effects. It is known to reduce symptoms and enable the patients to easily perform daily activities of living. Massage therapy with lavender oil is effective and can be easily applied to patients with RLS by nurses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered under the Clinical Trials protocol registration system (NCT04630470) upon completion.

Effect of Reiki on the stress level of caregivers of patients with cancer: Qualitative and single-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Reiki on stress levels of individuals caring for patients with cancer. METHODS: The study was conducted a pretest-posttest, single-blind randomized controlled trial and qualitative study using a semi-structured in-depth interview. In this study, women who were primary caregivers of patients with cancer treated in a university hospital were randomized to Reiki and sham Reiki groups. The Reiki group received Reiki to nine main points for 45 min, once a week for 6 weeks, while the sham Reiki group received the same points during the same period without starting energy flow. CSI scores and salivary cortisol levels were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the study, whereas systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate were evaluated before and after application every week. After the study, the opinions of the Reiki group on Reiki experience were collected by using a questionnaire consisting of semi-structured questions. RESULTS: The study was completed with a total of 42 caregivers. The sample size was calculated based on the difference in Caregiver Strain Index (CSI) scores before and after the intervention. According to the power analysis, with α = 0.05 and ß = 0.20, the effect size was 1.71 and the power 99 %. Post-intervention CSI scores declined in the Reiki group compared with that in the sham Reiki group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of saliva cortisol levels (p > 0.05). According to the results of the general linear model repeated measure and Friedman tests, which were conducted to evaluate the change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate over a 6-week period, the values of these parameters decreased before and after each application compared with the caregivers in the sham Reiki group (p < 0.05). All caregivers stated that they found the caring process less stressful after the Reiki sessions and felt relieved compared with the pre-therapy period, and some of their physical complaints decreased. CONCLUSION: Reiki reduces the stress levels of caregivers, is effective in regulating blood pressure and pulse rate, does not cause a significant change on saliva cortisol level, and provides relief to caregivers.

The Effects of Peppermint Oil on Nausea, Vomiting and Retching in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: An Open Label Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: The current study evaluated the effects of peppermint oil on the frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching, and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. DESIGN: A quasi-randomized controlled study. SETTING: Patients were recruited from the ambulatory chemotherapy unit of a public hospital located (Batman, Turkey) between September 2017 and September 2018. INTERVENTIONS: The participants in the intervention group applied one drop the aromatic mixture on the spot between their upper lip and their nose, three times a day for the five days following chemotherapy administration, in addition to the routine antiemetic treatment. Participants in the control group underwent only the routine antiemetic treatment. Main outcome measures VAS-the severity of nausea and the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching. RESULTS: The VAS nausea score was significantly lower after peppermint oil applying in the patients receiving Folfirinox (treatment effect (mean dif.): 4.00±2.28; P<0.001), Paclitaxel-Trastuzumab (treatment effect (mean dif.): 1.70±0.90; P=0.014), Carboplatin-Paclitaxel (treatment effect (mean dif.): 3.71±1.41; P<0.001), and Cyclophosphamide-Adriamycin (treatment effect (mean dif.): 1.41±0.73; P=0.005) excluding cisplatin scedule (treatment effect (mean dif.): 0.56±2,18; P=0.642). We detected a statistical significant difference in the change in frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching in the other all schedules excluding cisplatin schedule (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The peppermint oil was significantly reduced the frequency of nausea, vomiting, retching and the severity of nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, usage of peppermint oil together with antiemetics after chemotherapy with moderate and low emetic risk may be recommended to cope with CINV.

The Effects of Acupressure on Quality of Life and Dyspnea in Lung Cancer: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Dyspnea is the most common symptom of lung cancer. Acupressure is an important application in the management of dyspnea for lung cancer patients. High-powered, well-planned work is needed on the topic. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to determine the effects of acupressure on quality of life and dyspnea level for individuals with lung cancer. DESIGN: The study was a randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial. SETTING: The study took place in the Oncology Day Treatment Unit of a university hospital in Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were patients in the unit who were receiving chemotherapy and had experienced dyspnea. INTERVENTION: Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) an intervention group receiving acupressure, and (2) a control group receiving standard care. The P6-Lu1-Lu10 acupuncture points in the hand, forearm, and chest were used, with acupressure being applied 2 times per day for 4 wk, for a total of 56 sessions. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected at baseline and postintervention. Sociodemographic and disease-related data were collected using the Patient Identification Form. Quantitative data were collected with the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (Borg scale) and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and through measurements of participants' heart rates, respiratory rates, oxygen saturation, and walking distance before and after the 6-mile walk test. Qualitative data were collected using the semistructured "Patients' Views Form on Acupressure Experience." RESULTS: The 4-wk acupressure intervention demonstrated a significant reduction in the participants' levels of dyspnea, and at the same time, significant increases in their quality of life. The quantitative findings of this study were supported with qualitative findings. CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure can be a helpful adjunct treatment that enhances the quality of life and reduces dyspnea in individuals with lung cancer. It is an easily applicable method without serious side effects.

The Effect of Classical Turkish Music on Pain Severity and Anxiety Levels in Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow aspiration is a painful procedure. In addition, the anxiety experienced during the procedure can affect the pain felt during the procedure. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled study to determine the effect of classical Turkish music on pain severity and anxiety levels in patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in an oncology hospital with a total of 30 patients, of whom 14 were in the intervention group and 16 were in the control group. All underwent bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for the first time. Ethics committee approval, institutional permission, and the study participants' written informed consent were obtained. Data were collected using patient information forms and follow-up charts, the Visual Analog Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory. It was determined that the scores gathered from the State Anxiety Inventory during the first follow-up increased in the second follow-up in both the intervention and control groups, and this increase was statistically significant in the intervention group (p < .05). The mean pain severity scores of the patients undergoing the procedure were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p < .05). CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS: This study found that classical Turkish music reduced the severity of pain but increased the levels of anxiety in patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Effect of Terminal Patient Care Training on the Nurses' Attitudes Toward Death in an Oncology Hospital in Turkey.

This is an experimental research aiming at identifying the effect of terminal patient care training on the nurses' attitudes toward death. The sample of this study (n = 41) involves 20 nurses in the training group and 21 nurses in the control group. Nurses were offered terminal patient care training and their attitudes toward death were assessed before and after the intervention. The Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R) subscale mean scores for fear of death (3.9-4.6, p < .05) and approach acceptance (2.9-3.3, p < .05) were found to significantly increase at the end of training in the training group while mean scores in the control group displayed no significant change (p > .05) in any of the five DAP-R subscales. In accordance with these findings, this study suggests that terminal patient care training should be implemented in the nursing curriculum more extensively and should be frequently repeated as part of the nurses' in-service education.

Effect of an oral mucositis protocol on quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiation therapy.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of an oral mucositis prevention protocol on nutritional status and quality of life for patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. This randomized, controlled, experimental study placed 20 patients in an intervention group where they received an oral care protocol and a nutrition protocol. Thirty patients were placed in the control group. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using an oral assessment guide, oral evaluation guidelines, an oral toxicity scale, a visual analog scale, a subjective global assessment index, and a quality-of-life scale. As time post-treatment progressed, the prevalence of malnutrition in the intervention group was lower than in the controls group, and the intervention group experienced significantly less pain related to oral mucositis. Similar deteriorations in quality of life were noted in each group.

The experience of symptoms and information needs of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

The aim was to determine the symptoms and information needs of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT). The study population consisted of 345 RT patients accrued over 6 months. Patients' needs for information, sources of information, levels of satisfaction with information, symptoms and demographic factors were assessed by questionnaire and personal interview. Chi-square tests were used to test the correlation between patient variables and information needs/experiences. Most patients (80.9%) experienced RT side effects--fatigue, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite were the most frequent. More than half of the patients had not received information about RT; however, patients (83.2%) who had problems during the treatment wanted to have information (P < 0.05). The majority of the patients receiving information identified doctors as the primary source. The patients' prioritized needs for information were all the aspects of their diagnosis and treatment and side effects of RT. Overall, the results indicate that most patients require information about their treatment and also experienced a variety of symptoms.

Evaluation of the breast cancer train the trainer program for nurses in Turkey.

The Breast Cancer Train the Trainer (TTT) program was designed to increase breast cancer awareness, improve knowledge about breast cancer among nurses, and provide quality care for breast cancer patients by trained nurses. A total of three programs were held and 82 nurses from different regions of Turkey attended this training. The educational activities employed several teaching and learning strategies. After completion, we determined that the participating nurses' knowledge on breast cancer had increased significantly, and they were satisfied with the training received. The Breast Cancer TTT program is a unique educational endeavor for nurses in Turkey, and our results showed that the training achieved its goal. Trained nurses in Breast Cancer TTT programs can help educate women about the importance of breast health and the measures they need to take to protect themselves against breast cancer. At the same time, nurses can also increase and enhance the quality of life in patients with breast cancer. This is an example of a program that can easily be spread throughout the world as it was done from England and Australia to Turkey.