Determining the Effect of Reflexology on Nausea, Vomiting and Anxiety in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted in a randomized controlled manner to evaluate the effect of reflexology on nausea, vomiting, and anxiety due to taxane group chemotherapeutics in patients with breast cancer. Method: The study was conducted in the Daytime Chemotherapy Unit of Gülhane Training and Research Hospital and Ankara Training and Research Hospital from June 28 to December 20, 2019, with intervention (n = 29) and control (n = 29) groups. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching, and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Patients in the intervention group received reflexology for a total of 6 weeks, once a week. The patients in the control group did not receive any treatment other than the routine maintenance of the chemotherapy unit. Result: As a result, it was determined that 40% of all patients were 55 years or older. While nausea was observed in all patients in the intervention and control groups, vomiting was not noted in the vast majority of patients. Regarding the effect of reflexology on nausea and vomiting, although the mean scores of nausea, vomiting and retching experience, occurrence and distress in both groups were lower than the initial measurement, there was no difference between the groups. Based on the research findings, the State and Trait Anxiety mean scores in the intervention group decreased significantly, while they increased in the control group. Conclusion: The research showed that while reflexology did not affect nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, it was helpful in reducing anxiety.