The effects of lavender oil on the anxiety and vital signs of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients in preoperative period

BackgroundThis study was conducted to determine the effects of lavender oil on the levels of anxiety and vital signs in benign prostate hyperplasia patients (BPH) in their preoperative period.MethodThis was a quasi-experimental study and a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The population of the study consisted of elderly male patients who were hospitalized at the urology clinic of a hospital in Turkey, eligible for inclusion, and who were scheduled to undergo BPH surgery. These patients had a prostate mass >30 g on which medical treatment and minimal surgical treatment had not been succesful but which could be cured through open prostatectomy surgery and transurethral resection of the prostate. The sample consisted of 110 patients selected by the convenience sampling method and determined based on power analysis.ResultsAccording to data analysis, both groups showed significantly reduced anxiety after the smelling lavender oil. However, the experimental group reported a significantly higher decrease in anxiety [mean change: −38.47 (SD 8.68) vs −2.78 (SD 3.27)] in comparison to the control group (p < 0.001). The posttest mean vital signs of the groups were compared and there was a statistically significant decrease in respiration and increase in oxygen saturation (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings showed that lavender oil inhalation reduced anxiety levels and had effects on the vital signs of BPH patients in their preoperative period.     

Effect of the Emotional Freedom Techniques on anger symptoms in Hwabyung patients: A comparison with the progressive muscle relaxation technique in a pilot randomized controlled trial

ContextHwabyung is a psychosomatic disease resulting from the suppression of anger over an extended period. The Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) are meridian-based psychotherapy known to cure many psychosomatic diseases, and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a therapeutic method that relieves physical and psychological tension by repeated tensing and relaxation of the muscles.ObjectIn this study, we compared the effects of EFT and PMR in patients with Hwabyung.Design40 patients were enrolled and randomized to receive 4 weeks of group sessions with either EFT (n = 20) or PMR (n = 20). Evaluations were conducted pre- and post-treatment and at 4-week and 24-week follow-ups after session end.Main Outcome MeasuresThe Hwabyung Scale, Visual Analogue Scale of Hwabyung Symptoms (VAS-HS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) were administered as self-report tools. The analysis excluded 8 patients who never attended treatment and 1 patient meeting the exclusion criteria.ResultEFT (n = 15) and PMR (n = 16) improved Hwabyung symptoms (−13.95% and −11.46%, respectively), state anxiety (−12.57% and −12.64%, respectively), and depression (−32.11% and −18.68%, respectively) (p < 0.05 for all). Trait anger improved in EFT group (−13.4%, p = 0.004). There were no significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05) except for trait anger at post-treatment (p = 0.022 for between group). No adverse events were reported during the study.     

Effect of Music on Anxiety of Women Awaiting Breast Biopsy

Abstract

The authors investigated the effect of music on the state anxiety of a sample of 20 patients awaiting breast biopsy at a suburban medical facility. The patients were assigned alternately to either the control or experimental group. The individuals in the experimental group were given a 20-minute music-based intervention in a preoperative holding area, whereas the patients in the control group received the customary preoperative care. Clinicians measured blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration in both groups of patients, and the participants completed the State portion of the self-administered State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). After the patients completed the 20 minutes of music or of preoperative care without music, clinicians again measured the participants' vital signs and the patients completed the STAI. The authors' findings indicated that the posttest state anxiety and respiratory rates of the patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the patients in the control group.     

Effects of lavender oil intervention before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on patients' vital signs,pain and anxiety: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundThis study was carried out to determine the effects of lavender oil intervention before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on patients' vital signs, pain and anxiety.Materials and methodsThis study was designed as a randomized controlled study. The population of the study consisted of adult patients who were going to receive ERCP at the gastroenterology clinic of a university hospital. Ninety patients participated in the study. The data were collected using a Patient Information Form, a Pre-Post Test Record Form, VAS and the State Anxiety Scale.ResultsAfter lavender oil intervention, the pulse rate, systolic-diastolic blood pressure, pain and anxiety levels of the patients in the experiment group were reduced, their oxygen saturation levels were increased, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionLavender oil applied on the patients before the ERCP procedure reduced their pulse rate, systolic-diastolic blood pressure, pain and anxiety levels, while it increased their oxygen saturation levels.     

Effectiveness of lemon essential oil in reducing test anxiety in nursing students

PurposeThis study examines the effectiveness of lemon essential oil in reducing test anxiety in first-year nursing students.MethodA randomized, pre-test-post-test design was used in this study. The study included 46 first-year students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of a private university in Istanbul, Turkey. Students were divided into two groups through randomization (Intervention, N = 22; Control, N = 24). In the pre-test, a personal information form, State Test Anxiety Scale (STAS) and Test Anxiety Schedule (TAS) were administered to students in both groups. The students in the intervention group smelled lemon essential oil for 15 min. The study was completed by applying STAS and TAS as post-test.ResultsAfter smelling lemon essential oil, a significant difference was found between the mean pre-test and post-test scores for STAS, its sub-dimensions and TAS (p < 0.01) in the intervention group. It was observed that the nursing students’ mean scores for STAS, its sub-dimensions and TAS decreased after smelling lemon essential oil (p<0.05). It was found that the intervention group's mean post-test scores for STAS, cognitive sub-dimension and TAS were lower than those of the control group. Mean post-test scores of physiological sub-dimension in the intervention group were also significantly lower than the control group. It was concluded that lemon essential oil reduced test anxiety by 43.3%.ConclusionLemon essential oil was found to be effective in reducing test anxiety in nursing students.     

Specifying the effects of physician's communication on patients’ outcomes: A randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo experimentally test the effects of physician's affect-oriented communication and inducing expectations on outcomes in patients with menstrual pain.MethodsUsing a 2 × 2 RCT design, four videotaped simulated medical consultations were used, depicting a physician and a patient with menstrual pain. In the videos, two elements of physician's communication were manipulated: (1) affect-oriented communication (positive: warm, emphatic; versus negative: cold, formal), and (2) outcome expectation induction (positive versus uncertain). Participants (293 women with menstrual pain), acting as analogue patients, viewed one of the four videos. Pre- and post video participants’ outcomes (anxiety, mood, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and satisfaction) were assessed.ResultsPositive affect-oriented communication reduced anxiety (p < 0.001), negative mood (p = 0.001), and increased satisfaction (p < 0.001) compared to negative affect-oriented communication. Positive expectations increased feelings of self-efficacy (p < 0.001) and outcome expectancies (p < 0.001), compared to uncertain expectations, but did not reduce anxiety. The combination of positive affect-oriented communication and a positive expectation reduced anxiety (p = 0.02), increased outcome expectancies (p = 0.01) and satisfaction (p = 0.001).ConclusionBeing empathic and inducing positive expectations have distinct and combined effects, demonstrating that both are needed to influence patients’ outcomes for the best.Practice implicationsContinued medical training is needed to harness placebo-effects of medical communication into practice.     

The effect of relaxation exercises training on pregnancy-related anxiety after perinatal loss: A pilot randomized control trial✰

BackgroundPregnancy-related anxiety is quite frequent during pregnancy after perinatal loss, and it is likely to cause negative effects on the mother and the foetus. amongst independent nursing practices, progressive muscle relaxation exercises are considered to be one of alternative treatment methods to relax pregnant women physically and psychologically.PurposeThe aim of this study is to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises on the pregnancy-related anxiety levels of pregnant women who have experienced a perinatal loss.MethodsOne hundred and four pregnant women who had experienced a perinatal loss were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 31) or a control group (n = 33) and participated in a 12-week trial. The intervention group received training on progressive muscle relaxation exercises, while the control group was provided only with routine healthcare services. The Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-R2 was used to evaluate the level of pregnancy-related anxiety.ResultsThe intervention group showed improvement in comparison to the control group at the end of the intervention. After the intervention, the measured levels of “pregnancy related anxiety”, “fear of giving birth”, and “worries about bearing a handicapped child” significantly decreased in the intervention group compared to the pre-intervention levels and the control group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the levels of concern about own appearance between the groups after the intervention (p>0.05).ConclusionAccording to the results of the study, progressive muscle relaxation led to a decrease in the pregnancy-related anxiety levels of the pregnant women who had experienced a perinatal loss.     

The effect of preoperative Reiki application on patient anxiety levels

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to investigate changes in the anxiety levels of patients receiving preoperative Reiki.Material and methodsThis study used a quasi-experimental model with a pretest-posttest control group. Methods: Subjects (n = 210) were recruited from a hospital in Turkey, from June 2013 to July 2014. Subjects were then assigned to experimental (n = 105) and control (n = 105) groups.ResultsThe level of anxiety of experimental group patients did not change according to their state anxiety scores (p > 0.10); however, the anxiety level of control group patients increased (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe results of this study imply that the administration of Reiki is effective in controlling preoperative anxiety levels and in preventing them from increasing.     

Effectiveness of aromatherapy with inhaled lavender essential oil and breathing exercises on ECT-related anxiety in depressed patients

Background and aims Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered a safe, effective, and significant treatment in patients suffering from a major depressive disorder. Anxiety caused by this invasive treatment may impose several side effects on patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy with inhaled lavender essential oil and breathing exercises on ECT-related anxiety in depressed patients.Methods In this randomized controlled clinical trial, 90 depressed patients were selected and divided into three groups: aromatherapy, breathing exercise, and routine care using a random allocation method. Before undergoing ECT, the aromatherapy group was exposed to the inhaled lavender essential oil (n = 30), the breathing exercise group performed the breathing exercises (n = 30), and the routine care group received routine care (n = 30). Before (20 min) and after the intervention (30 min later), patients' anxiety was assessed using Beck Anxiety Inventory.Results After the intervention, the results revealed that anxiety score changes were statistically significant among the three groups (p < 0.001). In addition, it was found that the patients’ mean anxiety scores significantly decreased in the aromatherapy and breathing exercise groups compared to with the pre-intervention scores (p < 0.001).Conclusion Aromatherapy with inhaled lavender essential oil and breathing exercises can be considered by clinical nurses as simple, applicable, and effective interventions to reduce ECT-related anxiety in depressed patients.     

The effect of music and skin contact with the newborn on pain and anxiety during episiotomy repair in primiparous women: A double-blind randomized controlled study

ObjectiveTo show that music medicine and skin contact with the newborns can reduce pain and anxiety during episiotomy repair.DesignDouble-blind randomized controlled trialSettingThe study was conducted between April and July 2020 at the private Medipol Nisa Hospital.ParticipantsA total of 150 primiparous pregnant women over 20 years of age who underwent vaginal delivery with episiotomyInterventionsParticipants were randomized into the music medicine, skin contact with the newborn, and control groups (with no treatment). After episiotomy repair (with the designated treatment or no treatment), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory and Visual Analog Scale were used to assess anxiety and pain, respectively.Main outcome measuresPain and anxiety experienced after episiotomy repair in the treatment and control groups.ResultsWomen in both treatment groups (music medicine and skin-to-skin contact) had significantly lower anxiety and pain levels than those in the control group. In particular, music medicine significantly reduced pain in comparison to skin contact with the newborn (VAS 2 3.92 ± 1.46 vs. 5.42 ± 1.73, respectively, VAS 3 2.64 ± 1.63 vs. 5.14 ± 1.77, respectively, VAS 4 1.38 ± 1.46 vs. 4.14 ± 2.04, respectively, p < 0.05). Thus, music medicine is more effective than skin-to-skin contact in reducing the pain experienced during episiotomy repair, but both treatments were equally effective in reducing anxiety (35.30 ± 6.47 vs. 36.82 ± 9.71 vs. 49.22 ± 16.95, respectively, p < 0.05).ConclusionBoth of these nonpharmacological treatments can be used along with analgesics and anxiolytics for the treatment of pain and anxiety during episiotomy repair.     

Effects of preoperative individualized audiovisual education on anxiety and comfort in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: randomised controlled study

ObjectiveThe study aimed to determine the effects of preoperative individualized audiovisual education for laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients on postoperative anxiety and comfort (pain, nausea, and vomiting).MethodThis study was a randomized clinical trial on 124 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomized into an intervention group (individualized audiovisual education) or a control group (standard education). The primary outcome was change in anxiety and comfort levels between the intervention and control groups at baseline and follow-up. Secondary outcomes were change between groups in Patient Learning Needs Scale scores and vital signs.ResultsAlthough the preoperative visual analog scale (VAS)-pain and VAS-nausea scores of the patients in both groups were similar, the postoperative VAS-pain and VAS-nausea levels of the intervention group were significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The anxiety levels of the intervention group were also lower both before (42.79 ± 4.29) and after (39.08 ± 3.49) surgery than that of the control group (50.98 ± 5.45 and 44.41 ± 4.77, respectively).ConclusionThis study showed that preoperative individualized audiovisual education was effective in reducing anxiety and improving patient comfort.Practice implicationsPreoperative individualized audiovisual education is crucial for clinical care and can be integrated into other patients because of its positive effects on postoperative recovery outcomes.     

The effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on nurses' stress,anxiety, and burnout levels during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial

Background and ObjectiveInfectious disease outbreaks pose psychological challenges to the general population, and especially to healthcare workers. Nurses who work with COVID-19 patients are particularly vulnerable to emotions such as fear and anxiety, due to fatigue, discomfort, and helplessness related to their high intensity work. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a brief online form of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in the prevention of stress, anxiety, and burnout in nurses involved in the treatment of COVID patients.MethodsThe study is a randomized controlled trial. It complies with the guidelines prescribed by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist. It was conducted in a COVID-19 department at a university hospital in Turkey. We recruited nurses who care for patients infected with COVID-19 and randomly allocated them into an intervention group (n = 35) and a no-treatment control group (n = 37). The intervention group received one guided online group EFT session.ResultsReductions in stress (p < .001), anxiety (p < .001), and burnout (p < .001) reached high levels of statistical significance for the intervention group. The control group showed no statistically significant changes on these measures (p > .05).ConclusionsA single online group EFT session reduced stress, anxiety, and burnout levels in nurses treating COVID-19.     

Improving disease knowledge of primary sclerosing cholangitis patients and their relatives with a 3-dimensional education video

ObjectivePrimary sclerosing cholangitis is a severe liver disease. Liver transplantation is the only curative therapeutic option. The unpredictable disease course causes much uncertainty and anxiety among patients and relatives. Improved disease knowledge may result in better health outcomes. In PSC, there is lack of high quality patient education materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a 3-dimensional education video to improve PSC knowledge in patients and relatives.MethodsA digital survey containing questions about PSC, anxiety and satisfaction was sent prior to, directly after, and one week after watching the video. Both European and American patients and relatives were included.ResultsA total of 278 participants (224 patients and 54 relatives) were included. PSC knowledge score increased from 53 % to 74 % directly after and 70 % one week after the video. The STAI anxiety score decreased after the video (-0,8, p = 0,007). Younger age and lower baseline knowledge were independent predictors of knowledge improvement.ConclusionDisease knowledge improved after watching the video and this was sustained one week later. Generally, patients were very enthusiastic about the video.Practice implications3D education videos can be useful to increase disease knowledge in a severe disease such as PSC.     

Implementation and outcomes of telephone disclosure of clinical BRCA1/2 test results

ObjectivesWith an increasing demand for genetic services, effective and efficient delivery models for genetic testing are needed.MethodsIn this prospective single-arm communication study, participants received clinical BRCA1/2 results by telephone with a genetic counselor and completed surveys at baseline, after telephone disclosure (TD) and after in-person clinical follow-up.ResultsSixty percent of women agreed to participate; 73% of decliners preferred in-person communication. Anxiety decreased from baseline to post-TD (p = 0.03) and satisfaction increased (p < 0.01). Knowledge did not change significantly from baseline to post-TD, but was higher post-clinical follow-up (p = 0.04). Cancer patients had greater declines in state anxiety and African-American participants reported less increase in satisfaction. 28% of participants did not return for in-person clinical follow-up, particularly those with less formal education, and higher post-disclosure anxiety and depression (p < 0.01).ConclusionsTelephone disclosure of BRCA1/2 test results may not be associated with negative cognitive and affective responses among willing patients, although some subgroups may experience less favorable responses. Some patients do not return for in-person clinical follow-up and longitudinal outcomes are unknown.Practice implicationsFurther evaluation of longitudinal outcomes of telephone disclosure and differences among subgroups can inform how to best incorporate telephone communication into delivery of genetic services.     

Clinical manifestations,risk factors and prognosis of patients with Morganella morganii sepsis

BackgroundThere are few studies of Morganella bacteremia. We evaluated risk factors and outcome of patients with Morganella bacteremia.MethodsMedical records of patients with Morganella bacteremia were reviewed (1997–2014). Control group patients with Escherichia coli sepsis were matched by year of diagnosis and infection acquisition site.ResultsThe study group included 136 adult patients. Mean age and gender of study and control groups were similar. Complicated soft tissue infection was more prevalent in the study group (30% versus 3.2%, p < 0.05). The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was higher in the study group (4.3 ± 2.5 versus 3.4 ± 2.8, p < 0.05). Only 78 (62%) of the study patients versus 101 (83%) of the control group (p < 0.05), received appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment. A significantly higher in-hospital mortality rate (42% versus 25%, p < 0.05) as well as longer length of stay (25 ± 22 versus 14 ± 16 days, p < 0.05) was observed in the study group. Multivariate analysis revealed that a debilitative state, a CCI > 4, septic shock and a clinical syndrome other than UTI were all significant risk factors for mortality (p < 0.05).ConclusionsPatients with Morganella morganii sepsis had more co-morbidities and a worse degree of sepsis. There is an increased risk of inappropriate empirical treatment, longer hospitalization and higher death rate.     

The effect of anxiety and depression scores of couples who underwent assisted reproductive techniques on the pregnancy outcomes

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of anxiety and depression scores of couples who underwent Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) on pregnancy outcomes.MethodThis study was conducted as a prospective and comparative study with 217 couples. The study data was collected by using a semi-structured questionnaire and the Turkish version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The questionnaire, STAI and BDI were applied to couples who initiated ART treatment. Couples'' state anxiety scores were re-evaluated after embryo transfer (ET).ResultsA significant relationship was found between the depression score of women and pregnancy outcome (p < 0.05). It was determined that anxiety scores for both men and women were higher before the ART procedure, but their anxiety scores decreased after ET (p < 0.05). Spouses of women with a negative pregnancy outcome had higher trait and state anxiety mean scores (p > 0.05) and lower depression scores (p <0.05) than spouses of women with a positive pregnancy outcome.ConclusionStudy results indicated that the anxiety and depression scores of couples who had achieved a positive pregnancy result were lower than for couples with a negative result. The results of this study will contribute to the health professionals especially to the nurses who spend the most time with couples in providing consulting services and supporting psychological status of couples during ART process in Turkey.     

The efficacy of acupuncture combined with Bailemian capsule in the treatment of cervical spondylosis accompanied by headache,anxiety, and depression

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of using acupuncture combined with Bailemian capsule to treat cervical spondylosis by observing the improvement in the degree of headache, anxiety, and depression suffered by patients.MethodsA total of 100 patients with cervical spondylosis of the cervical type were equally divided into a combination group and a control group using the random number table method. The patients in the combination group were treated with acupuncture combined with the oral administration of Bailemian capsule, while those in the control group were only treated with acupuncture. Patient self-assessment was conducted, comprising the visual analogue scale, the self-assessment scale for anxiety, and the self-assessment scale for depression. Before treatment and on the14th and 28th days of treatment, the therapeutic effects of the two treatment modalities on the cervical spondylosis and accompanying headache, anxiety, and depression were analyzed using the Hamilton anxiety scale, the Hamilton depression scale, the Pittsburgh sleep quality inventory, and the Neck Disability Index (%).ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between the two groups in all seven indicators at the different treatment time points (p < 0.01). The seven indicators were significantly reduced in both groups on the 14th and 28th days of treatment compared with before the treatment. Moreover, except for the Neck Disability Index results at 14 days, which did not differ between the groups (p = 0.37), all the other indicators were significantly lower in the combination group than in the control group on the 14th and 28th days of treatment (p < 0.01), and at the end of the treatment, the therapeutic effect was significantly better in the combination group than in the control group (p = 0.006).ConclusionBoth acupuncture combined with Bailemian Capsule and acupuncture alone were effective in the treatment of cervical spondylosis, but the combination therapy was better than the acupuncture alone in improving the accompanying negative symptoms of headache, anxiety, and depression.     

Análisis de la ansiedad en los primeros encuentros clínicos: experiencias utilizando la simulación clínica en estudiantes de pregrado

IntroductionThe first clinical encounters trigger strong feelings and emotions in medical students, when facing complex illnesses, and by feelings of guilt of «using patients’ sufferings» for their learning purposes. Clinical simulation offers them an opportunity for experiencing anxiety in a safe environment prior to being involved in the hospital. The objective of this work was to assess the level of anxiety in the first clinical encounters through clinical simulation experiences in undergraduate students.Material and methodsWe used the Inventory of Anxiety in Clinical Simulation Scenarios in a sample of 49 students. This instrument is made up of 25 items grouped into 7 factors. ANOVA test was considered to evaluate the trends by factor, for the analysis of the data.ResultsWe found an average of 2.67. In considering the gender as a factor, significant difference was obtained by using ANOVA (P = 0.016). The results of trends by factor show significant differences in corporal expressions (P = 0.003), concern about how others perceive me (P = 0.007) and worries about self-image (P = 0.019).DiscussionAssessment is of great value in medical school programs, where it becomes one of the vital elements in designing each activity developed throughout the career. Anxiety is present along the training program, having a positive or negative impact on student learning and performance, according to the way it is handled. Assessing knowledge and skills is imperative, therefore both anxiety and assessment go hand in hand. Different types of assessment can generate different levels and manifestations of anxiety in students.