The Effect of Oral Care and Honey Oral Care Program on ,Mucositis, Weight Loss and Quality of Life in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia under Chemotherapy: A Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Mucositis is one of the most debilitating complications of chemotherapy, and therapeutic advances have not significantly reduced the incidence of this complication. This complication causes a sharp decline in the quality of life of cancer patients. since, there is few evidence of honey mouthwash effects on mucositis, weight loss and quality of life in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effect of honey mouthwash and care program on mucositis, weight loss and quality of life in adult AML patients under chemotherapy. Method: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 53 patients with AML were selected under chemotherapy and randomly divided into three groups: honey mouthwash (17), oral care (17) and control group (19) Allocated. The intensity of mucositis was studied at the start of the study and in 4 weeks follow-up (4 times) using the WHO tool by an oncologist who was not aware of the patient group. The weight of the patients was measured in 5 steps using the digital scales as the intensity of mucositis. Patients' quality of life was evaluated twice, before and after the study using the EROTIC QOL C30.V.3 questionair. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Result: The prevalence of mucositis scores in the study groups was significant at the end of the third week (p = 0.002) and fourth (p <0.001). Most people in the honey group and oral care did not have symptoms. The effect of time on mucositis in honey groups and control was significant, so that the severity of mucositis increased in the control group at the end of the third and fourth weeks (p <0.05), but in the control group (p <0.001). The difference in severity of mucositis in the third and fourth weeks was between honey and control groups (P <.001, MD = - 73) and oral care and control groups (P = .001, MD = - 67). Among honey and control groups (P <.001, MD = - .84) and oral care and control groups (P <.001, MD = -. 78). At the end of the third week (p <0.05) and fourth (p <0.01), the effect of intervention on the weight of patients was significant, so that at the end of the third and fourth weeks, there was a difference between the honey and control groups (p <0.05). And honey group with control (p <0.01) and oral care (p <0.05). In the honeymoon group, the average score in the cognitive domain of the quality of life areas after the intervention increased and is statistically significant. (p = .04). In this group, the pain was reduced after the intervention in the area of symptoms. (p = .03), but the average overall quality of life in this group was reduced. p = .005)). But in the control group, the patient recovered in an emotional setting. (p = .02) Conclusion: Regarding the effectiveness of honey mouthwash in preventing and reducing the severity of mucositis and preventing weight loss and pain reduction in patients and cognitive impairment in patients and ease of use, this mouthwash is recommended for oral care in patients undergoing chemotherapy. However, it is recommended that a longer time to examine the effects of honey or oral care protocol is recommended to evaluate the quality of life.