Effect of Humor on Pain and Anxiety in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study.

Humor can contribute to nursing practices for relieving pain and anxiety in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during intravenous (IV) biologic treatment. This study used a prospective, randomized controlled study design to investigate the effect of humor on pain and state anxiety in patients with RA receiving IV infusion therapy. Two sample groups were formed: the intervention group (watching a comedy movie) (n = 18) and the control group (usual care) (n = 18). Both groups received IV biologic therapy. A significant difference was found between the groups' pain mean scores, but the effect size was small (P < .001, η² = 0.032). The mean visual analog scale scores decreased in both groups after the treatment; however, it decreased more in the intervention group (P < .001, Md = 2.44) than in the control group (P = .017, Md = 0.83). No significant difference was found between the groups' mean state anxiety scores, and the effect size was irrelevant (P > .05, η² = 0.001). There was a significant decrease in the anxiety levels of both groups (P < .001). During IV biologic infusion therapy, watching comedy movies is recommended as a nursing care intervention for reducing pain in patients with RA in cooperation with other health professionals.

Pain beliefs of chronic headache patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to explore the origin of the pain beliefs of chronic headache patients. METHODS: This qualitative research has been designed using a case study method. Selected using the criterion sampling method, patients consisted of a total of six chronic headache patients in algology outpatient clinic at a University Hospital in Turkey. The data were collected using focus group methods. Data were obtained using a semi-structured interview form composed of eight open-ended questions. Data were evaluated by analyzing both descriptive and content data. RESULTS: Chronic headache patients' views on why they have pain and which beliefs they have about origin of the pain have three subthemes: (1) Organic beliefs, (2) psychological beliefs, and (3) environmental beliefs. Patients' most frequently cited organic beliefs were genetics (familial) and physiological (tissue damage, surgery, and lifting of heavy objects). Patients' most frequently cited psychological beliefs were stress, sadness, and having a sensitive personality. CONCLUSION: It is suggested to take pain beliefs differences and qualitative research into consideration in the management of pain in nursing care.

Investigation of the effect of black cumin oil on pain in osteoarthritis geriatric individuals.

PURPOSE: This study has been carried out to investigate the analgesic effect of black cumin oil on individuals with knee pain. METHOD: The experimental group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) have been randomly selected. The control group patients have continued their routine prescription. For the experimental group, black cumin oil has been applied by rubbing to their knees 3 times a week for 1 month. FINDINGS: As a result of the study, the mean VAS values of the patients in the experimental group has changed to 7.50 ±â€¯0.97 on the 1st day and 6.30 ±â€¯1.14 on the 30th day and there has been a significant decrease in pain severity in this group (p < 0.001). RESULTS: This study has shown that the pain relieving properties of black cumin oil is effective on geriatric individuals living with knee pain.

Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Quality in Patients on Hemodialysis.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common health problem in patients on hemodialysis. This descriptive study was carried out with patients from a hemodialysis unit in the province of Eskisehir, Turkey. Of the 317 patients in the unit, 244 (77.0%) comprised the study group. RLS was assessed by diagnostic criteria defined by the International RLS Working Group, sleep quality by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and depression by the Beck Depression Inventory. RLS was found in 15.6% of patients and was associated with depression and sleep quality. Sleep quality is impaired with the increasing severity of RLS. RLS is an important health problem in patients on hemodialysis.

Coping with the pain of elderly pain patients: Nursing approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine methods used by elderly patients to cope with pain and serve as a guide for nurses. METHODS: This descriptive survey was carried out with geriatric patients (n=100) aged 60 years or more in inpatient Algology Unit of a university hospital between November 28, 2014 and January 28, 2015. Data were collected using descriptive characteristics questionnaire prepared based on review of the literature and via one-on-one interviews using Pain Coping Questionnaire (PCQ). Data were evaluated using descriptive statistical methods, Independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance test, and Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Duration of pain experienced by the patients ranged from 1 month to 40 years, with mean duration of 63.57±82.65 months. Mean subscale scores of PCQ were: self-management, 19.22±6.54; helplessness, 13.45±3.86; conscious coping efforts, 11.90±3.97; and medical remedies, 12.62±3.98. Score of the patients who reported that they could manage their pain on their own (p<0.05), and of those who relied on medical remedies, believing that pain control is in the hands of nurses (p<0.05), were significantly higher. CONCLUSION: Means of coping with pain vary in geriatric patients and it is recommended that these differences be taken into account in nursing interventions.