AIM This study aims to investigate the effects of stress ball use on stress, anxiety, and vital signs in patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.
METHOD This study will be conducted with 50 breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at the Outpatient Chemotherapy Unit of Rize Training and Research Hospital, using a randomized controlled experimental design. Simple randomization will be used for group assignment. Data will be collected using a Breast Cancer Patient Information Form, Distress Thermometer, and State Anxiety Inventory. It is planned that data will be collected both before and after the chemotherapy session.
ORIGINALITY / SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION To date, no study has been found in the literature evaluating the effects of stress balls on stress, anxiety, and vital signs in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, this project is considered original and is expected to contribute to both national and international scientific literature. If successful, the project will provide evidence for a new non-pharmacological intervention that is easy to use during chemotherapy sessions and can help improve patients' stress, anxiety, and vital signs. Patients may experience more comfort and better treatment compliance during chemotherapy.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES It is expected that the use of a stress ball will have a positive effect on reducing stress and anxiety levels and improving vital signs in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
Stage 2A-2B breast cancer
Receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy
On a chemotherapy protocol administered every 21 days
Receiving second or subsequent chemotherapy cycle
Cancer types other than breast cancer
Unilateral or bilateral mastectomy
Any condition preventing hand use (e.g., pain, fracture, open wound)
IV access in both arms
Parallel
Stress ball
Other interventionFirst Interview: Consent is obtained; group allocation is done. Pre-test: Patient information form, DT, STAI, and vital signs are assessed. Intervention: Stress ball use for 15-20 minutes during chemotherapy. Post-test: Same measurements are repeated.
Distress Thermometer (DT):
It assesses the state anxiety an individual feels due to the stressful situation they are in, their predisposition to this anxiety, and the trait anxiety that generally characterizes the situations they find themselves in as stressful. The total score on the scale ranges from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating higher anxiety levels and lower scores indicating lower anxiety levels.
State Anxiety Inventory (STAI):
It assesses the state anxiety an individual feels due to the stressful situation they are in, their predisposition to this anxiety, and the trait anxiety that generally characterizes the situations they find themselves in as stressful. The total score on the scale ranges from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating higher anxiety levels and lower scores indicating lower anxiety levels.
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Ataturk University
Lead sponsor
Ataturk Training and Research Hospital
Sponsor institution
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