The feasibility and effectiveness of auricular acupressure on managing sleep quality, mood status, and quality of life in parents of children with cancer

Abstract Purpose To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of an auricular acupressure intervention on sleep, mood state, and quality of life (QOL) among parents of children with cancer. Methods In this pilot study, 35 parents were assigned to 3-weeks of an active acupressure intervention (AAG) or a sham acupressure group (SAG). Feasibility was assessed by adherence to acupressure protocol. Instruments used to test outcomes were the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Profile of Mood States, and QOL-Short-Form. 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. There were differences on some QOL subscales. Parents in AAG had better Physical Functioning and General Health subscales than SAG at time 1 and time 2, respectively. Conclusion Likely due to small sample size, 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 if this intervention will be effective in parents. Reducing symptom distress and improving QOL in parents of children with cancer is essential. Interventions to achieve this goal must be tested.