Randomized Control Study of the Effects of Turmeric Mouthwash on Oral Health Status, Treatment-Induced Mucositis, and Associated Oral Dysfunctions Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Oral mucositis is the most severe and debilitating adverse effect of cancer treatment, resulting in inadequate nutritional intake, treatment disruptions, and dose alteration, leading to increased hospital costs and decreased tumor control. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of turmeric mouthwash on oral health status and onset and severity of treatment-induced oral mucositis and associated oral dysfunctions among head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: A randomized controlled design was adopted (CTRI/2018/06/014367). Turmeric mouthwash was administered to the experimental group (n = 46) and benzydamine mouthwash was given to the control group (n = 46). Oral health status and mucositis were graded using the Oral Health Assessment Tool and the World Health Organization oral toxicity criteria, respectively. Oral dysfunctions were measured by a patient-reported oral mucositis symptom scale and xerostomia short-form inventory. All outcome variables were measured weekly during the entire course of radiation therapy. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable with regard to their demographic and outcome variables ( P > .05). The incidence of intolerable mucositis in the control group was 100% compared with 17.8% in the experimental group. Repeated-measures analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences in the onset and severity of oral mucositis ( P = .001), oral health status ( P = .001), and oral dysfunctions ( P = .001) between the experimental and control groups. CONCLUSION: Turmeric mouthwash was effective in reducing the severity of oral mucositis and associated oral dysfunctions as compared with benzydamine mouthwash. IMPLICATIONS: Use of turmeric, a nontoxic and cost-effective intervention, can be an alternative to the traditional management of oral mucositis.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in nurses in the United States: Prevalence and effect on role.

AIMS: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder among U.S. nurses and to examine how severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms are associated with their role. BACKGROUND: The lifetime prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder is estimated at 6.8%. Loss of workdays, inability to perform at full capacity, and loss of fulfillment are a few of the issues associated with an individual diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. Untreated consequences include early retirement, loss of job, disability, and suicide. METHOD: Participants completed an online survey that included the 20-item posttraumatic stress disorder checklist-5. RESULTS: Severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among nurses estimates that 28.4% have a probable diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder with 15.4% experiencing severe symptoms. The impact of stress was negative job performance impacting mental fatigue and workplace attrition. Coping skills included mindfulness and utilizing social networks. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses are exposed to traumatic experiences, which has an impact on their mental health and well-being and ability to successfully perform their jobs. The impact of these experiences is not differentiated by demographic correlates. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This highlights multiple modifiable factors that impact the severity of stressful experiences. Addressing environmental, organizational, and intrapersonal changes are key components in alleviating the negative impact experienced by nurses.