The Effects of Laughter Therapy on Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abstract

Background:

 Patients recognize chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as major side effects. So, it is important to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients suffering from cancer.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of laughter therapy on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients suffering from cancer.

 Materials and Methods:

 This study was a clinical trial performed on 80 patients referred to the chemotherapy department of a hospital in Khorramabad. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group (40 persons) and the control group (40 persons). The data gathering tools included the demographic data questionnaire and Morrow nausea and vomiting assessment scale.  In order to data analysis, descriptive statistical and inferential statistical methods (Chi-square, Mann Whitney, and Wilcoxon test) were used. SPSS software version 22 was used for analysis.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 70 ±10.19 years. The result of Chi-square test showed that there was no significant statistical difference between the two intervention and control groups in terms of the severity of nausea after chemotherapy (p > 0.05). The result of Chi-square test showed that there was a significant statistical difference between the two intervention and control groups in terms of frequency of nausea after chemotherapy (p < 0.05). There was a significant statistical difference between the two intervention and control groups in terms of the severity of nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy (p < 0.05).  

Conclusion:

Laughter therapy is effective in reducing the incidence of nausea and reducing the severity of nausea and vomiting. It is recommended that health workers, especially nurses, become familiar with how laughter therapy is performed as part of the care of patients undergoing chemotherapy and use it in clinics.