A PRE-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO ASSESS EFFECTIVENESS OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL STRATEGIES ON PAIN AMONG LEUKEMIA PATIENT RECEIVING CHEMOTHERAPY FROM SELECTED PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY UNIT OF PUNE CITY.

Mrs. Priti Rajput, Ms. Siddhi Mhatre, Mr. Wasim Mulani, Mr. Rohit Waghmode

Abstract

Introduction: Pain is a frequent and distressing symptom among pediatric leukemia patients receiving chemotherapy, negatively affecting their physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. While chemotherapy is essential for eradicating malignant cells, it also damages healthy tissues, resulting in neuropathic pain, mucositis, and other discomforts. Pharmacological agents such as opioids and NSAIDs, though effective, carry adverse effects including sedation, nausea, constipation, and the risk of dependency, making safer adjunctive approaches desirable. Non-pharmacological strategy—such as  smiley ball therapy—are non-invasive, cost-effective, and particularly suited for children, but evidence specific to pediatric leukemia is limited.

Methodology: This pre-experimental one-group pre-test post-test study assessed the effectiveness of non-pharmacological strategies in reducing pain among pediatric leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy in the pediatric oncology unit of Bharati Hospital, Pune. Fifty children aged 5–16 years, diagnosed with leukemia and receiving chemotherapy, were selected via non-probability purposive sampling. Pain levels were measured using the standardized Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale before and after the intervention. Content validity was ensured through expert review, and tool reliability was confirmed (r = 0.7043) using the test-retest method.

Results: Pre-intervention results showed that 46% of participants experienced moderate pain and 44% severe pain, with a mean score of 6.82 (SD = 1.94). Post-intervention, 50% reported mild pain, 14% no pain, and only 4% severe pain, with a reduced mean score of 3.18 (SD = 1.61). A paired t-test revealed a highly significant difference (t = 13.46, p < 0.0001), confirming the interventions’ effectiveness. Chi-square analysis found no significant associations between post-intervention pain levels and demographic variables such as age, gender, education, leukemia type, or chemotherapy cycle, indicating equal benefit across groups.

Conclusion: The study concludes that smiley ball therapy significantly reduce pain in pediatric leukemia patients undergoing chemotherapy, regardless of demographic characteristics. Integrating these non-pharmacological approaches into routine pediatric oncology care can enhance patient comfort, decrease reliance on pharmacological agents, and improve the overall treatment experience.