Effects of progressive relaxation exercises on anxiety and comfort of Turkish breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Seher Gurdil Yilmaz,Sevban Arslan

doi:10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.1.217

Seher Gurdil Yilmaz, Sevban Arslan

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.7314/apjcp.2015.16.1.217

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Abstract

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the world and by far the most frequent cancer among women. This study was conducted to observe the effect of progressive relaxation exercises on anxiety and comfort level of breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. A control group pre-test/post-test quasi-experimental model was applied with experimental (30) and control (30) groups, who agreed to participate in this study. Data collection was with the "Personnel Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and General Comfort Scale". The average age of the patients that participated in the study was 49.1±7.96 years. Eighty-three point three percent (n=25) of the patients in the experiment group and 86.7 (n=26) percent of patients in control group were married. Patient state of anxiety post-test mean scores were 36.2±8.21 in the experimental group and 43.4±7.96 in the control group, the difference being statistically significant (p<0.05). The general comfort scale post-test mean scores were 149.5±13.9 in the experimental group and 137.7±15.0 in the control group, again statistically significant (p<0.05). Progressive relaxation exercises positively affect patient comfort and anxiety levels in Turkey.

Highlights

Breast cancer is an important health issue, which is the second-most common disease after heart disease in Turkey and many countries around the world, with an increasing incidence (GLOBOCAN 2014)
The mean state of anxiety pre-test score of the female experimental and control group patients included in the study was compared, the mean state of anxiety pre-test score was 42.26±7.49 in the experimental group and 45.03±5.66 in the control group
No statistically significant difference was found in the mean pre-test score of the state of anxiety inventory between the experimental and control group patients (p>0.05)

Summary

Introduction

Breast cancer is an important health issue, which is the second-most common disease after heart disease in Turkey and many countries around the world, with an increasing incidence (GLOBOCAN 2014). The diagnosis and treatment process of breast cancer causes patients to have problems such as pain, changes in body image and sexual life, psychological issues, impaired social life, and lymphedema (Sen and Aydiner, 2011; Yildiz et al, 2011; Enache, 2012). These factors lead to an increased level of anxiety and a reduced level of comfort for the patients (Kelleci et al, 2009; Aydogan et al, 2012; Inan and Ustun, 2013). Conclusions: Progressive relaxation exercises positively affect patient comfort and anxiety levels in Turkey

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