Effectiveness of auricular acupressure in managing sleep quality, mood, and quality of life in parents of children with cancer: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Abstract
Objective This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of an auricular acupressure intervention on sleep quality, mood state, and quality of life (QOL) among parents of children with cancer. Methods Thirty-five parents were assigned to three-weeks intervention in an active auricular acupressure group (AAG) or a sham auricular acupressure group (SAG). Feasibility was assessed by adherence to the acupressure protocol. Outcomes were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for sleep quality, the Profile of Mood States for mood, and the QOL short form for QOL. The data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations to identify changes over time within and between the groups. Results Adherence to the protocol was 78%. There were no differences between the groups in overall sleep quality or mood state, but QOL in the Physical Component Summary was better in the AAG at time 1. Parents in the AAG exhibited significantly higher levels of vigor compared to those in the SAG group. Statistically significant differences were observed in the Physical Functioning and General Health subscales, with the AAG showing better outcomes than the SAG group at time 1 and time 2, respectively. Conclusions Likely due to the small sample size, the AAG and SAG did not differ in overall sleep quality, mood state, or QOL, but there were significant subscale differences that support intervention effectiveness. A fully powered large-scale trial is needed to determine…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design.
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