The effect of the hand massage using baby oil with lavender application on the procedural pain and state anxiety of women undergoing brachytherapy: A parallel-group randomized controlled study

Objective: This parallel-group randomized controlled study evaluated the effect of the hand massage practiced using baby oil with lavender on reducing pain and situational anxiety in women with brachytherapy. Methods: The study was completed with 36 patients. The treatment group included 18 patients, and the control group had 18. The data were collected through patient information form, visual analog scale, and state anxiety scale. Before the brachytherapy, three sessions of hand massages, each lasting 10 min (5 min for each hand), were performed using baby oil with lavender. Data collection forms were repeated after each session. The control group received routine treatment. Study groups were similar and homogeneous in terms of socio-demographic characteristics. The data obtained were assessed using Shapiro Wilk, Repeated Measures ANOVA, chi-square, and paired samples t-test. Results: At the end of the brachytherapy, the pain and state anxiety scores of the group that applied hand massage were determined to be lower than the control group's at each three-time point (1st, 2nd, and 3rd-time points) (p<0.001). Conclusion: It was determined that hand massage using baby oil with lavender effectively reduced pain and anxiety. It can be practiced by certified nurses in clinics that perform brachytherapy as a noninvasive, safe, and affordable practice.