The effect of reflexology on the quality of life with breast cancer patients

Abstract

Background: This study aims to identify the effect of reflexology on the quality of life in patients with breast cancer.

Methods: The population of the study conducted comprised of 60 patients; 30 forming the control and 30 the experimental groups (30 experimental, 30 control). Patient identification forms and EORTC QLQC30 Quality of Life Scale were used to collect the data.

Statistical analysis used: The data obtained as a result of the study were assessed via computer using 'Statistical Package for Social Science 21.0' software.

Results: The results of the experiment demonstrated that the within-group symptom total score average of the patients in the experiment/treatment group decreased after the reflexology treatment; while the general health and functional total score averages in the treatment group increased; and the difference between pretest and posttest measurements was statistically significant (p = 0.000). Once symptom, functional, and general health total score averages from the posttest measurement are compared across treatment and control groups, symptom total score average of the patients in the treatment group turned out to be significantly lower than that of the patients in the control group (p = 0.001). In terms of functional and general health score averages, patients in the treatment group scored significantly higher than those in the control group (p = 0.000).

Conclusion: Reflexology was found to reduce the symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients, while at the same time increasing the functional and general health status.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Nursing; Quality of life; Reflexology.