Effect of Benson’s Relaxation Response on Anorexia in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy experiencing numerous symptoms such as anorexia, which is the most frequently reported symptom that is linked to decreased quality of life and overall survival. Benson's Relaxation Technique (BRT) is an effective complementary and non-pharmacological technique used to reduce anorexia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate effect of Benson's relaxation technique on anorexia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Setting: the study was conducted in the oncology unit affiliated to Benha University Hospital, Benha, Egypt. Design A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to conduct the current study.The following hypothesis was formulated to achieve the study's aim; Anorexia score among cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy will be significantly improved after implementation of Benson's relaxation technique than before implementation. Subject: A purposive sample of 100 adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy within six months were enrolled in this study to reach to a number of 86 patients at the end of study period. Tools: Four tools were used; Structured interviewing questionnaire which consists of socio-demographic data and patients' health history, also the patients' knowledge questionnaire, the patients' practice observational checklist regarding Benson's relaxation technique, and anorexia scale which consists of {(Visual analogue appetite scale (VAS) and Functional assessment of anorexia-cachexia therapy (FAACT)}. Results: The study showed that there was highly significant statistical improvement in total knowledge and practice scores of studied patients after three months of implementing the technique as compared to pre implementation, all mean total scores of anorexia scale for cancer patients improved significantly after applying Benson's relaxation technique. Finally, the independent variables contributing to variance in anorexia score were cancer staging, knowledge and practice scores, age, treatment line as well as educational level. Conclusion: Benson's relaxation technique had a positive effect in reducing and improves anorexia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Recommendations: Importance of presenting posters to remind patients about BRT and to improve patients' knowledge and practices. Also, hospitals are recommended to use the BRT alongside other treatments to alleviate anorexia and symptoms in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.