A Study to Assess the Effect of Honey on Prevention of Radiation Induced Oral Mucositis Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy in Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur

Abstract

Head and neck cancers have become a major problem of attention and the annual worldwide incidence is more than half a million cases. Radiation therapy is one of the best treatment option available and the most common, debilitating side effect of radiation therapy is oral mucositis. Honey is a natural remedy with an antibacterial property. The present study was aimed to assess the effect of honey on prevention of radiation induced oral mucositis among head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy in Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of honey on prevention of radiation induced oral mucositis among head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy in Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, find out association between selected socio demographic and clinical variables and occurrence of radiation induced oral mucositis in experimental and control group. The study was based on Imogen king’s goal attainment theory. Research design used was two group post-test only comparative design. The study consisted of 40 patients undergoing radiation therapy, selected purposively and distributed to experimental and control group. Honey gargle was provided for the experimental group, routine instructions and care to the control group. Observation for the occurrence of oral mucositis was done in both the groups with the help of WHO oral toxicity scale. The median grade of oral mucositis in control group was 3 (1–4) and experimental group was 0 (0–2). A significant difference in the grade of oral mucositis occurrence after intervention program (p<0.001), so honey gargle was effective in preventing the occurrence of radiation induced oral mucositis. There was no association between selected socio demographic and clinical variables and occurrence of radiation induced oral mucositis in experimental and control group.