Kim, S., & Kim, H. (2005). Effects of a relaxation breathing exercise on anxiety, depression, and leukocyte in hemopoietic stem cell transplantation patients. Cancer Nursing, 28, 79–83.

DOI Link

doi: 10.1097/00002820-200501000-00012

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

An educated treatment group received the intervention consisting of a 30-minute tape and researcher on relaxation breathing exercise (RBE). The intervention was given every day at 4 pm for six weeks during hospitalization for allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Sample Characteristics

Of 42 randomized patients, 35 completed the study (18 in RBE group, 17 in control group).
Patients were excluded if they were taking medications for anxiety.

Study Design

A randomized controlled trial design was used.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

Measurements: pre/post-test
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI): Only state anxiety was measured.

Results

Patients in the RBE group had a mean decrease of 13.3 points in anxiety (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

RBE could be an effective nursing intervention to reduce anxiety in hospitalized patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size.