Effect of Relaxation Training Techniques on Anxiety and Depression among Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background and objectives: non-pharmacological treatment for depression and anxiety includes a variety of treatments, such as various types of psychotherapy, education, and supporting measures. Behavioral treatments such as progressive muscle relaxation and abdominal breathing exercises have been shown to be effective in the treatment of anxiety and depression in cancer patients. Therefor this study aimed to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation and abdominal breathing exercise techniques on anxiety and depression among breast cancer patients in Erbil City- Iraq. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at Rizgary Teaching Hospital-department of oncology and Nanakali Oncology Hospital at Erbil city-Iraq, Patients from both hospitals were selected as the intervention and control group respectively. Patients were assessed through; the demographic data questionnaire, Hospital anxiety and depression scale. Results: A total of 88 patients 44 from the control group and 44 patients from the study group participated. At the end of the study, there were significant improvements in anxiety and depression (p-value was 0.001) result was observed in both post-tests at 4-week and at 8-week. Conclusion: The women who got progressive muscle relaxation and abdominal breathing exercise techniques had lower anxiety and depression levels than those who only received routine nursing care, according to the findings. Oncology nurses should educate patients with breast cancer to use the progressive muscle relaxation technique to reduce their anxiety and depression. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Breast cancer and Relaxation.