Eficacia de las técnicas de relajación en la disminución de tensión, ansiedad y estrés percibidos por pacientes con cáncer bajo tratamiento de quimioterapia

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer constitutes a public health problem worldwide. Attention to patients with cancer includes treatments such as chemotherapy, which may generate emotional negative reactions. Relaxation techniques have shown to reduce anxiety and stress in this population. Materials and Methods: 552 patients of the chemotherapy areas of three hospitals of Metropolitan Guadalajara zone were trained in diaphragmatic breathing and guided imagery. Patients were assessed with an visual analogue scale, which scored their tension, anxiety or perceived stress before and after relaxation training. Results: The mean obtained by the visual analogue scale was 3.24 (SD: 2.8) before and 1.2 (SD: 1.9) after relaxation training respectively (p < 0.001). Moreover, differences in means among patients in different hospitals (p < 0.001) were observed. Conclusions: Our results highlight the effectiveness of relaxation techniques implemented in patients receiving chemotherapy, reducing perceived stress, anxiety and tension. Health professionals can train patients on the use of relaxation techniques during their hospital visits. The generalized practice of these techniques by the patients will improve their state of wellbeing, by reducing the emotional affections caused by cancer diagnosis and the treatments.