Non-pharmacological Methods Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Method on the Life Expectancy of Patients with Various Diseases in Iran: A Literature Review Study

Context: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy method focusing on acceptance and commitment to life values. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the ACT method on the life expectancy (LE) of patients with different diseases. Evidence Acquisition: The present study is a literature review that collects findings from past related studies in the last two decades. For this purpose, the essential and common Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms were first identified. Then, the desired MeSH terms were searched in the most reliable and essential international databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and national databases, including Magiran, SID, Iran doc, etc. First, 265 articles were identified, and then 18 were selected as final studies considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The findings of 18 studies were extracted for the present study. Some different types of patients, including those with rheumatoid arthritis, depression, multiple sclerosis, asthma, diabetes, liver transplants, chronic pain, cancer, physical-motor disabilities, drug addiction, and others, were shown to increase LE through the use of the ACT method. The main finding of the present study was that using the ACT method to increase LE in patients with various diseases has a significant effect, which was clearly highlighted in all the selected studies. Conclusions: Based on the findings, ACT is an effective and high-efficiency method in increasing patients' LE. Acceptance and commitment therapy can improve LE, resilience, quality of life, compliance with treatment, and other patient benefits, thus improving the speed of recovery for patients. Therefore, the ACT method, which is a non-pharmacological method, can be used by specialists and clinical psychology experts for different patients.

Complex therapy of musculoskeletal pain: the role of centrally acting muscle relaxants

Chronic pain is the main manifestation of musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), leading to deterioration of quality of life and loss of ability to work. The importance of this problem is determined by the widespread prevalence of MSDs, osteoarthritis (OA), acute and chronic non-specific back pain (NBP), periarticular soft tissues lesions. Introduction of effective methods of treatment of musculoskeletal pain (MSP) into medical practice is one of the fundamental tasks of modern medicine.The pathogenesis of MSP includes mechanisms such as injury, inflammation, peripheral sensitization, biomechanical disorders, dysfunction of the nociceptive system and psychoemotional disorders. Painful muscle tension plays an important role in the development of MSP, especially in NBP. Given the complex pathogenesis of MSP, its treatment is based on the combined use of drugs with different mechanisms of action and nonpharmacological methods. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have a central place in this context. However, they can cause serious adverse reactions (ARs), so when choosing NSAIDs, it is necessary to consider comorbid pathology and risk factors. One of the most acceptable NSAIDs with a pronounced analgesic effect and low incidence of ARs is aceclofenac, which is available in various dosage forms (tablets, sachets, topical cream for external use). This medication is characterized by proven efficacy and good tolerability.Centrally acting muscle relaxants (CM) play an important role in the treatment of MSP. They eliminate muscle spasm, enhance the effect of analgesics and reduce the need for NSAIDs. The effect of CM has been demonstrated in spasticity and NBP. However, the use of many drugs of this group can be associated with serious ARs, which limits their use.Tolperisone has the best combination of efficacy and favorable safety profile among CM. Its positive effect in the complex treatment of NBP has been confirmed in several well-organized, placebo-controlled trials. There are also studies demonstrating the efficacy of tolperisone in OA. An important advantage of this drug is virtually no sedative effect, and no negative impact on hemodynamics and on the ability to perform concentration-intensive work. Emergence of a new form of tolperisone – extended-release tablets (Mydocalm® Long 450 mg) – increases patient compliance with CM therapy and facilitates the physician's work.

Typical clinical practice of treating patients with chronic migraine

Currently, effective methods for the treatment of chronic migraine (CM) have been developed, but it remains unclear how they are used in real clinical practice and how often. The typical practice of treating patients with CM in our country has not been sufficiently investigated, which formed the basis for conducting this study.Objective: to evaluate the quality of treatment of patients with CM in real-life neurological practice.Material and methods. The study included 200 patients with CM (63 men and 137 women, mean age – 33.1±7.1 years) admitted to A.Ya. Kozhevnikov Clinic of Nervous Diseases (CND) of Sechenov University for frequent headaches, who were previously treated by neurologists in other medical institutions on an outpatient and/or inpatient basis. All patients were clinically interviewed to establish a diagnosis and analyze their previous treatment.Results. All patients had an experience of incorrect or inadequate treatment, including ineffective drug and non-drug methods. All patients were taking painkillers to relieve migraine, but less than half of them was satisfied with their effectiveness. Only 12 (8.5%) patients with medication overuse headache had previously received treatment for drug overuse. None of the patients who were admitted to CND had previously received cognitive-behavioral therapy and treatment with an interdisciplinary approach that included not only pharmacotherapy but also psychological and behavioral methods and kinesiotherapy.Conclusion. In real-life clinical practice, ineffective methods are often used to treat migraine, and an interdisciplinary approach that includes effective pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological methods is lacking.

Typical tactics of treatment of patients with chronic non-specific back pain and tension-type headaches

Non-specific (musculoskeletal) back pain (NBP) and tension-type headache (THA) are among the most common conditions in neurological practice that significantly impair patients' ability to work. The typical practice of treating patients with NBP and THA has not been sufficiently investigated, which formed the basis for conducting this study.Objective: to evaluate the quality of diagnosis and treatment of chronic NBP and THA in real-life neurological practice.Material and methods. The study included 120 patients with chronic NBP and combined THA of different frequency (32 men and 88 women, mean age 38.4±9.6 years) who were treated in A.Ya. Kozhevnikov Clinic of Neurologic Diseases (CND) of Sechenov University with complaints of back pain and headache and who had previously been examined and treated by neurologists and therapists in other medical institutions on an outpatient and/or inpatient basis. All patients underwent a clinical interview to establish a diagnosis and analyze previous treatment, a neurological and neuro-orthopedic examination and a psychometric examination to assess anxiety and depression symptoms.Results. Prior to contacting CND, only 10% of patients had a diagnosis of chronic NBS, only 7% had a diagnosis of THA and the remaining patients had other misdiagnoses. All patients had previously undergone additional examinations, mainly neuroimaging of the spine and brain, ultrasound examination of the neck vessels, even if there were no "red flags" – signs of danger in back pain and headache. None of the patients had previously had their emotional state assessed, while 75% of patients had symptoms of depression of varying severity and all patients suffered from anxiety of varying severity. Neuro-orthopaedic examination was performed in only 10% of patients. All patients received nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs for back pain, and most patients received vascular and nootropic medication for headaches. Of the non-pharmacological methods, massage and passive physiotherapy were most frequently prescribed. Only 9% of patients were recommended kinesiotherapy, and only 5% of patients performed it.Conclusion. In real-life medical practice, chronic NBP and THA are inadequately diagnosed, excessive and unjustified additional examinations are prescribed, unsatisfactory level of treatment, and patients with chronic NBP and THA are rarely prescribed kinesiotherapy.

Effectiveness of Massage on Tension Type Headache Pain In Ages 25-50 Years

This research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of massage therapy on reducing tension headache pain in individuals aged 25-50 years. Tension headaches are a common condition characterized by dull, aching head pain and muscle tension in the head and neck. Manual therapy, particularly massage, is a non-invasive treatment that is relatively easy to apply and carries minimal side effects, making it an attractive option for pain relief. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent to which massage therapy can alleviate tension headache pain in this specific age group. The research design employed a literature review method using the PICO framework and involved databases such as Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 10 journals met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The results showed that massage therapy, when applied twice a week for four weeks with a duration of 45 minutes per session and using gentle pressure, had a statistically significant effect on reducing tension headache pain (p < 0.05). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that manual therapy massage is effective in reducing the severity of pain in individuals suffering from tension headaches, offering a viable treatment option for those seeking non-pharmacological pain management methods.

Modern Possibilities for Reconstruction of Nerves of the Head and Neck

The main etiological factors of nerve damage to the head and neck include injuries, oncological diseases, iatrogenic injuries during surgical interventions. An important task of treatment is to restore the lost function of the nervous head and neck, the functions of which certainly determine the quality of life of the patient. The article presents modern methods of nerve reconstruction of the head and neck. The methods of reconstructive surgery of the facial, trigeminal, inferior alveolar, lingual, recurrent laryngeal nerves are described. This article also describes the types of rehabilitation after reconstructive operations on the nerves of the head and neck using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment methods such as botulinum therapy, neuromuscular retraining, taping, post-isometric relaxation, acupuncture, phonophoresis, gymnastics.

Efficacy of facilitated tucking position and Reiki given to preterm infants during orogastric tube insertion: A randomised controlled trial.

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of Reiki and facilitated tucking position on pain, stress and physiologic parameters in preterm infants during orogastric tube (OGT) insertion. The study used a single-blind, parallel-group randomised controlled experimental design. It was carried out in the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital in Niğde/Turkey between February 2022 and January 2023. A total of 45 preterm infants, who met the study criteria and whose sample size was determined according to power analysis, were randomly divided into three groups. As an intervention, the facilitated tucking position was applied to the first group, and Reiki was applied to the second group during OGT insertion. Routine application continued in the control group. The Infant Introductory Information Form, Physiological Parameter Follow-up Chart, Infant Stress Scale (ISS) and Premature Infant Pain Profile Scale-Revised (PIPP-R) were used for data collection. Significance was accepted as P < 0.05 in the statistical analysis. It was determined that the infants were homogeneously distributed between the experimental and control groups (P > 0.05). Infants who received the facilitated tucking position and Reiki intervention had better physiological stability compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The group with the lowest average stress (1.53 ± 0.99) and pain scores (4.06 ± 1.22) during OGT insertion was the facilitated tucking group (P < 0.001). After the procedure, stress and pain scores in both the facilitated tucking group and the Reiki group were found to be significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001). The results of the study showed that the facilitated tucking position during OGT insertion was especially effective in reducing the pain and stress of infants. Both the facilitated tucking position and Reiki were determined to be effective interventions in reducing the pain and stress of infants more quickly after the procedure. The results of study contribute to the recommendation that NICU nurses should include non-pharmacological methods to decrease the pain of preterm infants during procedural pain.

The Method of Enhanced External Counterpulsation in Clinical Practice

Chronic non- infectious diseases represent an important medical and social problem for the healthcare system. Optimal pharmacotherapy is not always effective enough, and the use of surgical treatment methods is not possible in all patients. In addition, an important link in the comprehensive management of such patients is dosed physical activity, however, in most of them, low exercise tolerance does not allow them to exercise, starting a vicious circle that leads to a decrease in the functional reserve of the body. In this case, the use of non-pharmacological treatment methods, for example, enhanced external counterpulsation, may be useful. This review is devoted to the analysis of literature data on the possibilities of using this method, which is important in clinical practice.

NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD): THE CURRENT STATE OF THE ART

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) consists of a set of symptoms, such as impulsivity, restlessness, difficulties in relationships with family and colleagues, which disrupt the individual's social, personal and academic life. The aim of this study was to analyze the state of the art on non-pharmacological treatment and its effectiveness as a first-line treatment and as an adjunct to medication. The research consisted of a synthesis of the literature, presenting different types of non-pharmacological methods and their effects on the manifestations of the disease, consequently improving the social and personal lives of these patients. In this sense, it was possible to observe the importance of non-pharmacological treatment in isolation and in association with pharmacological treatment as an important coping strategy for the symptoms of individuals with ADHD.

Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Management of Neuropathic Pain.

Disorders of the somatosensory nervous system that cause neuropathic pain are treated in a variety of ways. Herein, we introduce a stepwise approach to treating neuropathic pain. We then summarize the available data and guidelines for treating neuropathic pain, both with pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods, and provide a synthesized algorithm highlighting the similarities and differences between recent guidelines on the management of neuropathic pain. Pharmacologic treatments are primarily antiseizure medications (e.g., gabapentinoids, sodium channel blockers) and antidepressant medications (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), though other medications and interventional pharmacologic therapies can also be considered. There are a wide variety of nonpharmacologic treatments for neuropathic pain including neuromodulation, nerve stimulation, physiotherapy, movement therapies, lifestyle modification, nutritional supplements, acupuncture, and mind-body techniques.

The effect of three different nonpharmacological methods on cannulation success during peripheral intravenous catheter placement in the emergency unit: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPeripheral intravenous catheterization is frequently performed in emergency units, but it is a procedure which is difficult for healthcare professionals and painful for patients. The primary objective of the present study was to examine the effect on venous dilation, procedure duration and pain severity of local heat, cold and vibration applications performed on the intervention area before peripheral intravenous catheterization in adults. The second objective of the study was to examine the effects of age and gender variables on the participants’ pain intensity levels.MethodsA single-blinded randomized controlled trial. The study included 120 adults who were randomly selected between March and August 2023. One application group (n = 30) received local heat application, one group (n = 30) received local cold application, and one (n = 30) received local vibration using the Buzzy® device. The applications, to the site of the peripheral intravenous catheterization, lasted one minute. The control group (n = 30) received standard peripheral intravenous catheterization application. The groups’ vein dilation was assessed with the vein assessment scale, pain felt during catheterization with the visual analog scale, and the duration of the procedure with a chronometer.ResultsIt was found that the venous dilation of the cold application group was significantly higher (p = 0.010, p = 0.015 respectively) and procedure duration was shorter (p = 0.013, p < 0.001 respectively) than that of the heat and vibration application groups, and its pain severity was significantly lower (p = 0.002, p = 0.001 and p = 0.001 respectively) than that of the control group and the heat and vibration application groups.ConclusionsIt was determined that local cold application for one minute to the area of peripheral intravenous catheterization increased venous dilation, shortened application time, and reduced pain.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06378424, retrospectively registered 20/04/2024.

The effect of auriculotherapy on anxiety in older adult candidates for coronary angiography: A randomized controlled trial

AbstractIntroductionCoronary angiography is an effective but anxiety‐provoking procedure in the diagnosis and treatment of many cardiovascular diseases. Anxiety could complicate cardiovascular conditions of older adults and be detrimental to treatment procedures. The current study aimed to examine the effect of auriculotherapy on the anxiety of older adult candidates for coronary angiography.MethodThe study was a randomized controlled trial with a pretest–posttest design. The sample consisted of 94 male and female older adults that were randomly assigned to three groups: the auriculotherapy group with magnetized pellets, the auriculotherapy group with nonmagnetized pellets, and the control group. The collected data were analyzed using analysis of covariance.ResultsThe results showed that auriculotherapy either with magnetized or nonmagnetized pellets would lead to a statistically significant reduction in state and trait anxiety of coronary angiography candidates.ConclusionAuriculotherapy could be considered an adjunct or stand‐alone nonpharmacological method for lowering anxiety before coronary angiography in older adults.

Comparative efficacy of intravenous tramadol and traditional blanket coverage in managing postoperative shivering among post-spinal anesthesia patients

Background &amp; Objective: Shivering after general as well as spinal anesthesia is a common phenomenon. Unmanaged post-anesthetic shivering can worsen postoperative pain and patient’s metabolism. Various techniques including inj. tramadol, body warming, and covering have been evaluated to treat this common complication. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of tramadol administration with patient coverage as therapeutic methods for managing post-anesthesia shivering. Methodology: The study enrolled 60 patients who underwent spinal anesthesia. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A received blanket coverage as treatment for shivering, while Group B received intravenous tramadol. Shivering onset time and duration after treatment were measured. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test/independent t-test determined significance, with P &lt; 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The findings of this study revealed no significant difference in the onset of shivering between patients who received intravenous tramadol and those who were covered by blankets (39.83 ± 13.21 min vs 38.60 ± 13.48 min). However, the duration of shivering after treatment was significantly shorter in patients who received intravenous tramadol compared to those who received blanket, e.g., 20.30 ± 9.62 vs. 34.83 ± 12.53; P &lt; 0.000). Conclusion: In conclusion, intravenous tramadol is more effective than non-pharmacological methods (blankets) in managing shivering. Tramadol treatment resulted in a significantly shorter duration of shivering. Keywords: Postoperative Shivering; Hypothermia; Spinal Anesthesia; Tramadol; Blanket Citation: Hwisa SA, Alnaeli GR, Ajaj ARI, Faraj MM, Almghairbi DSE, Alhuwayj KAO, Mohammed LA. Comparative efficacy of intravenous tramadol and traditional blanket coverage in managing postoperative shivering among post-spinal anesthesia patients. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(5):922−926; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i5.2565 Received: May 28, 2024; Reviewed: June 03, 2024; Accepted: Jun 18, 2024Blanket

Neonatal analgesic prescription practices in central India: A cross-sectional survey.

This descriptive survey assessed knowledge, attitude and practice regarding analgesic prescription practices in neonates. A web-based questionnaire was developed and circulated to 150 physicians working in public and private neonatal intensive care units, of whom 87% were aware of neonatal pain perception; however, only 57.3% had any definite pain management policy. Some 66% were aware of a pain assessment tool in neonates, yet none had used it, though 80% used analgesics in their neonatal intensive care unit but only 44.3% were satisfied with the subsequent pain management. The most commonly used agents were midazolam and fentanyl. A total of 55% thought that opioid analgesia should not be used in neonates and morphine was used by only 5%; however, there seemed a general acceptance of opioid use since 86% used fentanyl as an analgesic. Non-pharmacological methods were used by 81%. Pain treatment in neonatal intensive care units is thus suboptimal and requires more attention.

Effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods on pain intensity due to venipuncture in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims: Therapeutic procedures, including the placement of intravenous catheters, are among the most common sources of pain for children. Various methods exist to reduce pain during venipuncture in children, including non-pharmacological methods, but there is no consensus on the most effective approach. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological methods on pain intensity during venipuncture in children. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted based on English and Persian articles published in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Irandoc, Iranmedex, SID, and Magiran between 1911 and 2023, using the keywords Venipuncture, Children, Pain, and their MeSH equivalents in all possible combinations. Data analysis was performed using STATA 11 software. Results: Out of 6963 studies obtained from the initial search, 17 eligible articles were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the random effects model showed that among non-pharmacological methods, the pain score of children in the distraction intervention group was 1.72 points lower than that of children in the comparison group, placing it in the strong effectiveness category. Furthermore, distraction interventions were found to be more effective in children under 8.5 years old, with bubble-blowing interventions proving to be the most effective among all. The findings in other groups also showed that acupressure and educational booklet reading interventions performed by the child on a teddy bear were more effective than distraction interventions. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological interventions seem to be an easy, accessible, and cost-effective method for nurses to manage pain associated with venipuncture according to children’s age.

Pelatihan Metode SPEOS (Stimulasi Pijat Endhorpin, Pijat Oksitosin dan Sugesti) Ibu Nifas Pada Tim Pendamping Keluarga di Wilayah Puskesmas Danau Marsabut Kecamatan Sipirok

Based on the 2018 Riskesdas results, the proportion of breastfeeding patterns for babies aged 0-5 months in Indonesia is 37.3% exclusive breastfeeding, 9.3% partial breastfeeding and 3.3% predominant breastfeeding. Predominant breastfeeding is breastfeeding the baby but giving a little water or a water-based drink, for example tea, as a prelacteal food/drink before the milk comes in. Meanwhile, partial breastfeeding is breastfeeding a baby and giving artificial food other than breast milk such as formula milk, porridge or other food before the baby is 6 months old, whether given continuously or as prelacteal food. North Sumatra Province Nutrition Program Data in 2018. The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding for babies 0-6 months in North Sumatra in 2018 was 65.57 percent, an increase compared to the percentage of exclusive breastfeeding in 2017, namely 54.4 percent (Sumatra Provincial Health Service, 2017). 2018). In the breastfeeding process, problems sometimes arise that can prevent giving breast milk to babies. Problems that mothers often experience when breastfeeding include inverted nipples, swollen breasts, sore and painful nipples, blocked milk ducts, breast inflammation and insufficient milk production (Purwoastuti, 2015). There are many non-pharmacological methods that can help postpartum mothers increase breast milk production, ranging from marmet massage, oxytocin massage, Woolwich massage to areola and rolling massage. Currently, based on the results of related research, there are non-pharmacological methods that are cheaper, easier, non-invasive and acceptable to respondents and without side effects. Nursing interventions that can be applied to help increase lactation in post partum mothers are the SPEOS method (Endorphin, Oxytocin and Suggestive Massage Stimulation).

A Review of Mechanisms, Impact, and Advances in Management Strategies in Cancer-Related Pain

Cancer-related pain significantly impacts patients' quality of life and treatment outcomes, presenting a persistent challenge in oncology. The complex nature of cancer pain encompasses nociceptive, visceral, and neuropathic types, each with distinct characteristics and management requirements. Pain profoundly affects cognitive function, daily activities, and emotional well-being of cancer patients, often leading to decreased quality of life and treatment compliance. Current management strategies include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Opioids, non-opioid analgesics, and adjuvant medications form the cornerstone of pharmacological interventions, while acupuncture and mind-body therapies show promise as complementary non-pharmacological methods. Recent advancements in pain assessment tools, such as digital pain diaries and wearable devices, offer improved monitoring capabilities and personalized pain management. Emerging therapies, including targeted immunotherapies and gene therapy approaches, represent new frontiers in cancer pain management. However, challenges persist in balancing effective pain relief with side effect minimization. The field is moving towards personalized, multimodal approaches that consider individual patient factors and pain mechanisms. Future research directions include developing novel analgesics, integrating artificial intelligence in pain assessment, and exploring personalized medicine strategies. Continued innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to enhance pain management and improve overall quality of life for cancer patients.

Safety and efficacy of electro-thumbtack needle for acute mountain sickness patients: a protocol of a randomized, single-blinded, and placebo-controlled study

BackgroundAcute mountain sickness (AMS) is considered the most common altitude sickness. It can be detrimental to the health of tourists who rapidly ascend high mountains, and can also impair the performance of individuals who move to the plateau for work or education. Acupuncture has been shown to improve AMS as a simple, safe, and effective nonpharmacological method, in case electro-thumbtack needle (ETN) is a more convenient form of acupuncture for both doctor and patient. There are no studies validating the effectiveness of electro-thumbtack needle in improving symptoms in participants with AMS. In this study, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of electro-thumbtack needle in participants with AMS. Our hypothesis is that electro-thumbtack needle is safe and effective in treating participants with AMS.MethodsThis study is a single-center, randomized, single-blinded, and placebo-controlled study involving at least 114 participants who were diagnosed with AMS. The participants randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the electro-thumbtack needle group and the sham acupuncture group. The treatment protocol involved stimulation of seven predefined acupuncture points, including Zhong Wan (RN12), bilateral Nei Guan (PC6), bilateral He Gu (LI4), and bilateral Tai Yang (EX-HN5), for approximately one minute each, with continuous application over 48 h. The primary outcome was improvement in 2018 Lake Louise score (LLS) after 48 h of treatment. Secondary outcome indicators included the incidence of participants with moderate-to-severe AMS (AMS > 5)and AMS, the LLS, visual analogue scale of headache, clinical functioning scores, the Groningen Sleep Quality Survey, the Stanford Somnolence Scale, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate, in addition to treatment-related adverse events were also captured.DiscussionThis trial aims to ascertain the therapeutic benefits of ETN in mitigating AMS symptoms, thereby contributing to the evidence base for traditional medical practices, particularly acupuncture, in high-altitude medicine.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trials Registry: ChiCTR2300073882. Registered on 24 July 2023.

A STUDY OF THE PREVALENCE OF SELF MEDICATION PATTERN FOR PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AMONG UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDENTS IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN TELANGANA

Objective: To study the prevalence of self-medication by using over-the-counter drugs and non-pharmacological methods for primary dysmenorrhoea. Methods: A Cross-sectional descriptive study using a self-developed and structured questionnaire as a tool was conducted among medical and dental students with dysmenorrhoea and in the age group of 18-22 y. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-Square test. Results: Out of 203 respondents, 30% were self-medicated by using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and 70% have treated themselves by non-pharmacological methods like taking rest and applying hot fomentation on the abdomen. Among the OTC, 56% of them used a single drug and 44% used a combination of drugs. The most commonly used single drug was mefenamic acid and the most commonly used combination of drugs was mefenamic acid+dicyclomine hydrochloride. Out of those respondents taking OTC only 5% sought gynaecologist advice. A significant number of students were taking rest [Chi-square value = 66.84 p&lt;0.01 highly significant], losing attendance in their academics. Conclusion: Primary Dysmenorrhoea (PD) affects young girls irrespective of the regularity of cycles. The prevailing self-medication pattern is inappropriate; a substantial proportion of girls have inadequate knowledge regarding treatment and the need for gynecologist consultation.

The effect of Benson's sedation on the sleep quality of hospitalized elderly: A randomized controlled trial

The present study aims to determine the effect of Benson's sedation on the sleep quality of hospitalized elderly. This experimental study employed a simple random method to assign participants to two test groups of 34 individuals and a control group of 34 individuals. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was the data collection tool. In the test group, the researcher administered Benson's relaxation technique in four sessions, each lasting 10 minutes, under the supervision of a physician. The control group received only routine interventions. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, employing descriptive statistics (including tables, means, and standard deviations [SDs]) and inferential statistics (paired t-test and independent t-test). In the experimental group, the mean sleep quality score before the intervention was 9.48 (SD=3.52), which improved to 7.59 (SD=3.17) after the intervention. A paired t-test revealed a significant improvement in sleep quality within this group (P&lt;0.01). In the control group, the mean sleep quality score was 9.21 (SD=3.21) before the intervention and 7.97 (SD=2.89) after the intervention; however, the paired t-test did not show a significant difference (P=0.6). The results of this study indicate that the Benson relaxation technique significantly improved the sleep quality of hospitalized patients. Consequently, this non-pharmacological, cost-effective intervention is a valuable addition to nursing care. Non-pharmacological methods, such as relaxation techniques, are recognized as effective adjunctive treatments in nursing practice.