Affiliation:
1. M.Sc Nursing Student, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Karnataka, India.
Abstract
Introduction: Chemotherapy induced gastrointestinal symptoms are distressing and affect QOL, which may lead to non adherence to treatment regimen. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of ginger with honey on gastrointestinal symptoms in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: A pre-experimental one group pretest post test design was adopted; wherein 66 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy selected using non-probability purposive sampling technique. Baseline variables were assessed. Pretest assessment of gastrointestinal symptoms, were done using VAS and a check list, at the end of the day after chemotherapy.100mg ginger powder with 5 ml of honey was administered orally thrice. (0 hr, 2hr and4hr of chemotherapy) Post test scoring was done after chemotherapy on the same day. Result: Ginger was found to be effective in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms [nausea p<0.001, anorexia- p<0.001, vomiting-p<0.045]. Females had more nausea and subjects with respiratory cancers expressed more gastric burning/pain. Conclusion: Present study proves ginger with honey to be effective in reducing chemotherapy induced gastrointestinal symptoms. It can be used to achieve a better quality living.