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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Medical-Surgical nursing department, faculty of nursing, Mansoura university

2 Professor of Medical –Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing - Mansoura University

3 Assistant Professor of oncology, Faculty of Medicine - Mansoura University

4 lecturer of Medical –Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing- Mansoura University

Abstract

Background:Anorexia is one of the most common side effects reported in cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy, which reduce treatment success rates, and increase mortality. Therefore, aim of this study: is
to evaluate the effect of Benson’s relaxation response on anorexia in cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy. Method and sample: A quasi-experimental research design was conducted in the medical
department and the outpatient chemotherapy unit in Oncology Center, at Mansoura University Hospital
throughout four months. A purposive sample of 86 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and having
anorexia, was divided into two matched groups; Benson’s relaxation response group (A) and the control
group (B). Benson's relaxation response was directed to the Benson’s relaxation response group twice a day
for 21 consecutive days. Data were collected using tool 1 A structured Interview Questionnaire and tool 2
Functional Assessment of Anorexia/Cachexia Therapy-Anorexia/Cachexia Subscale.Results: Cancer
patients undergoing chemotherapy who receive Benson's relaxation response experience less anorexia than
whom receive routine care as p ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: Benson’s relaxation response had a positive effect on
anorexia in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Recommendation: Cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy should be encouraged to perform the Benson's relaxation response by providing them an
illustrated booklet.
 

Keywords

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics