RAJIVGANDHIUNIVERSITYOF HEALTH SCIENCES,

KARNATAKA,BANGALORE

ANNEXURE-II

PROFORMA SYNOPSIS FOR REGISTRATION OF SUBJECT FOR DISSERTATION

1. / Name of the candidate and Address
(in block letters) / MR. AJITH K. K.
IYEAR M. SC. NURSING
MASOODCOLLEGE OF NURSING
BIKARNAKATTA
MANGALORE.
2. / Name of the Institution / MASOOD COLLEGE OF NURSING
BIKARNAKATTA
MANGALORE.
3. / Course of study and subject / M.SC.NURSING
COMMUNITY HEALTHNURSING
4. / Dateof Admission to Course / 08.07.2010
5. / Title of the Study:
“EFFECTIVENESS OF INFORMATION BOOKLET ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES AMONG HEALTH WORKERS OF SELECTED RURAL AREAS, MANGALORE”.
6. / BRIEF RESUME OF THE INTENDED STUDY
6.1Need for the study
From time immemorial mankind has been in search for plants, animals and other materials that could be used to take care of pains, deformities, ailments and disease that affect some of the unfortunate members of our society. Human kind in recent decades has alienated itself from nature. As a result of our attitude towards the nature has also become distorted. Consequently, human kind has forgotten the bounties of nature. This narrow vision has caused much damage to the nature and to the wellbeing of human race. In order to promote the wellbeing of mankind, the people should return to nature for total healing and they have to take advantage of what is free and available. So it is the moral responsibility of health workers to create awareness regarding complementary therapies; a wonderful science in nature.1
Health workers are people engaged in actions whose primary intent is to enhance health. These include people who provide health services such as doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratory technicians as well as management and support workers. Worldwide, there are 60 million health workers. About two-third of these provide health services, the other one-third are management and support workers. Without them, prevention and treatment of disease and advances in healthcare cannot reach those in need.2
In a world of ever-increasing technology and machine controlled medical interventions people are beginning to feel the need for a natural touch to health and medicines. There the significance of complementary and alternative therapies is arising. A complementary therapy refers to the health treatments which go along with the medical care, and it is based on natural and traditional methods. It includes natural therapies, herbal medicines yoga, aromatherapy, batch flower medicines, spiritual therapies etc. They offer people the chance to try therapies outside of their standard medical care. These treatment methods are totally different from allopathic medical practices. Alternative medicine emphasizes in improving the quality of life, relieve treatment and disease related symptoms and promote the overall wellbeing of an individual.3
Complementary therapy believes that illness comes from lack of balance between the environment, mind and body of human beings. The uses of complementary therapies are widespread. It has been used for treatment of many diseases like insomnia, heart diseases, allergic reactions, pain, mental illness fatigue, stress etc. In addition to these benefits, complementary therapies are effective, do not have any side effects, provided the therapies are conducted properly by a licensed practioner.4
The World Health Organization has estimated that 80% of the population in the developing countries uses traditional plants as drugs for their primary healthcare needs. But the rapid deforestation the resources and the requisite knowledge face rapid extinction. A retrospection of healing powers of plants and a return to natural remedies is an absolute need of our time. In India we are retained a strong tradition of complementary therapies aimed of balancing the energy of our body. Our traditional forms of treatment such as herbalism, massage, are having high popularity in modern era. Because of their healing properties, remedies for variety of ailments assist us to live longer healthier life.5
A quasi experimental study was conducted in department of nursing Daejeon, Health science college, Korea to assess effectiveness of foot reflection massage on sleep disturbances, depression disorder, and physiological index of elderly in nursing homes. The subjects were 50 elderly people who resided in nursinghomes. An experimental group and a control group were organized up to 25 subjects respectively, and the care was provided two 12 sessions, of 30 minutes.Sleep disturbances, depression disorder, and physiological indices were selected as dependant variable, which all measured before and after care. Data analysis included chi-square test, paired t test ANOVA using the SPS programme package. the result of the study shows improvement in sleep quality, reduction in depression disorder and the experimental group had higher serotonin level than the control group .they concluded that it was very necessary to give foot reflexion massage as a successful nursing intervention to elderly who undergo a change in sleep, and suffer from a depression disorder due to deterioration in sleep.6
Health workers are the cornerstones of primary healthcare. They come to contact with the community people and they are providing care for them. For providing better assessment and care for clients, health workers have to be familiar with more popular complementary therapies available in the healthcare delivery system. Hence the researcher
felt that a study must be conducted in order to make health workers aware of complementary therapies and their uses as it will allow them to provide a good patient care and contribute to improve the general health of the nation.
6.2Review of literature
A retrospective cross sectional survey was conducted in Canada to summarize healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). A sample of 994 of healthcare professionals was interviewed by convenient sampling method. The data was collected by structured questionnaire method, showed that only 21% of physicians, 22% of nurses, and 35% of social workers felt comfortable in talking about CAM. Most of the physicians indicated that they were not adequately informed about CAM, and older experienced male physicians were less likely to recommend CAM to their patients and family members. The study also concluded that healthcare professionals of all disciplines wanted more information about CAM, it may help to integrate CAM into mainstream medical care.7
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to find out the use of herbal preparations as complementary and alternative medicine for cancer patients in outpatient departments at King Hussein Cancer, Amman. A sample of 1138 patients with cancer was interviewed by convenient sampling method. The data was collected by semi-structured questionnaire method showed that 35.5% patients were using botanicals-based complementary and alternative medicine. The study concluded that only a small percentage (6.8% ) used herbal products in a dosage form and most of complementary and alternative medicine users were above 40years of age (63.1%).8
A quasi experimental study was conducted to evaluate effectiveness of acupressure on reducing dysmenorrhoea in selected nursing colleges and hostels, Mangalore. A sample of 30 students was selected (in between 18-22 years) by convenience sampling method. Pre-and post-test assessment of pain was assessed by numerical pain raring scale. Collected data was analysed by descriptive and internal statistics. The study showed that Post-test scores was lower than mean pre-test scores. Paired ‘t’ test was computed; the findings showed reduction in the pain intensity (P<0.05), indicating a reduction in pain after acupressure therapy. It shows that there was significant difference between
dysmenorrhoea score before and after acupressure.9
A basic experimental study was conducted in ICU of Railway Hospital, Chennai, to evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reduction of pain and its associated behavioural changes among abdominal surgery patients. A sample of 60 patients was selected by simple random method. An experimental group and a control group were organized. The level of pain and behavioural changes were assessed before and after therapy. It revealed that the improvement in mean of 1.06 with standard deviation (SD) 0.25, the t value found as 23.03, which was highly significant (p<0.001) indicating a decrease in the level of pain. The comparison of post- and pre-behavioural changes score shows that improvement in the mean value (1.03) with SD 0.082 and t value 31.00 was found to be highly significant (p<0.0001). The study showed that aromatherapy has direct effect on reduction of pain.10
An experimental study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of planned teaching programme on pain management in children for staff nurses working in a selected hospitals of Karnataka. The sample comprised of a batch of 45 B. Sc. nursing graduates who had 10 months of experience in various wards of the hospitals chosen through purposive sampling. The data were collected through a structured knowledge questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed higher mean post-test knowledge score (51.33) as against pre-test knowledge score (31.44). The ‘t’ value showed significant difference between the pre- and post-test knowledge score (t=43.08, p<0.05). This shows the effectiveness of PTP in increasing the knowledge of staff nurses regarding pain management in children.11
A study was conducted in three private schools of Kerala to evaluate the effectiveness of planned teaching programme on the knowledge of school teachers regarding the risk factors of coronary heart disease. The sample consisted of a cohort group of 50 teachers, teaching from one to ten standards. The tool used was a structured questionnaire with 50 items to assess the knowledge of school teachers regarding the risk factors of coronary heart disease. A quasi experimental approach was used with one group pre-test post-test design. The result showed higher post-test knowledge scores (43.54) compared to post-test knowledge score (21.46) at 0.001 level of significance. This shows the effectiveness of PTP in increasing the knowledge of school teachers regarding the risk factors of coronary heart disease.12
6.3Statement of problem
Effectiveness of information booklet on knowledge regarding complementary therapies among health workers of selected rural areas, Mangalore
6.4Objectives of the study
  1. To assess the level of knowledge among health workers regarding complementary therapies.
  2. To determine the effectiveness of information booklet on level of knowledge regarding complementary therapies.
  3. To find out the association between the pre-test level of knowledge with the selected demographical variables.

6.5Operational definitions
  1. Effectiveness: In this study, it refers to the extent to which the teaching programme will achieve the desired result in understanding complementary therapies and its uses in post-test scores.
  2. Information booklet: In this study, information booklet is an AV aid, which contains all the information regarding uses and effectiveness of complementary therapies like nutritional therapies, spiritual therapies, touch therapies, massage therapies and herbal medicine.
  3. Knowledge: In this study, knowledge refers to the correct responses of the sample to the items in the structured questionnaire measured in terms of level which is categorized as adequate, moderately adequate, inadequate regarding level of knowledge, regarding complementary therapies.
  4. Complementary therapy: These are the health treatments that go along with medical care; they are natural in origin. They include natural therapies, herbal medicines yoga, aromatherapy, batch flower medicines, spiritual therapies etc.

  1. Health workers: Refers to subject in this study, whose primary intent is to enhance health.
  2. Rural area: In this study, rural area refers to an area away from the city and town where the healthcare facilities are inadequate.

6.6Assumptions
The study assumes that:
  1. health workers may have some knowledge regarding complementary therapies.
  2. information booklet may be effective in enhancing the knowledge of health workers regarding complementary therapies.

6.7Delimitations of study
The study is delimited to health workers,
  • In the ages group of 20-60 years.
  • who are available in selected PHCs of rural areas, Mangalore.

6.8Hypotheses
The hypotheses will be tested at 0.05 level:
H1:There will be significant difference between pre-test level of knowledge and post-test level of knowledge scores regarding complementary therapies.
H2:There will be significant association between level of knowledge scores and selected demographical variables.
7. / Materials and methods
7.1Source of data
The data will be collected from the selected health workers of rural areas, Mangalore.
7.1.1Research design
Pre-experimental one group pre-test, post-test design will be employed in this study.
Pre-testTreatmentPost-test
O1XO2
O1:Assessment of level of knowledge among health workers before administering the information booklet.
X:Administration of the information booklet on complementary therapies.
O2:Reassessment of knowledge level of health workers on the eighth day after administering information booklet.
7.1.2Setting
The study will be conducted in selected rural areas of Mangalore.
7.1.3Population
In this study, population comprises of health workers of selected rural areas, Mangalore.
7.2Method of data collection
7.2.1Sampling procedure
Convenient sampling technique will be used in this study.
7.2.2Sample size
In this study, the sample size will be 60 health workers of selected rural areas, Mangalore.
7.2.3Inclusion criteria
The study will include the health workers,
  • who are willing to participate in the study.
  • who can read English or Kannada.

7.2.4Exclusion criteria
The study will exclude the health workers:
  • who are physically and psychologically impaired.
  • those who are previously sensitized to any research studies on complementary therapies since the last 3 months.

7.2.5Instruments used
Tool will be divided into 2 sections.
Section A: Demographic proforma that includes age, sex, education, occupation, years of experience, income and type of family.
Section B: Consists of a structured knowledge questionnaire to assess the level of knowledge regarding complementary therapies among health workers of Mangalore.
7.2.6Data collection method
Prior written permission will be obtained from the selected PHCs for conducting the study through proper channel. The data will be collected from the subjects with assured confidentiality over a period of one month. Health workers will be selected by convenience sampling technique. Pre-test will be conducted on the subjects who meet the inclusion criteria using structured knowledge questionnaire to assess the knowledge of health workers regarding complementary therapies. Information booklet will be administered soon after assessing the knowledge. Post-test will be conducted on the eighth day after the administration of information booklet by using structured knowledge questionnaire to assess the knowledge regarding complementary therapies.
7.2.7Plan for data analysis
Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to analyze the data. Demographic proforma will be analyzed by using frequency and percentage. Level of knowledge will be assessed by means of frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.
Chi-square test will be used to find the association between pre-test level of knowledge with selected demographic variables. P value <0.05 is considered as significant. Effectiveness of information booklet will be tested by using paired t-test. Analyzed data will be presented in the form of tables, graphs and figures.
7.3Does the study require any investigations or interventions to be conducted on patients, or other animals? If so please describe briefly.
Yes. Information booklet on knowledge regarding complementary therapies will be administered to health workers.
7.4Has ethical clearance been obtained from your institution in case of 7.3?
Yes. Ethical clearance has been obtained on 3-11-2010 from the ethical committee.
8. / References
  1. Kurian JC. Plants that heal. 5th ed. Pune: Oriental Longman Publication; 2003.
  2. Park K. Park’s textbook of preventive and social medicine. 19th ed. Jabalpur:
    M/s Banarsidas Bhanot Publications; 2007.
  3. Evanz M. The guide to natural therapies. 7th ed. London: Lorenz Books Publication; 1996.
  4. Benefits of complementary therapy. [online]. Available from: URL:
  5. Satyavati GV. Medical plant research. Heritage Healing Journal of Indian Medical Renaissance 2000 Feb;2(2):14-5.
  6. Song RH, Kim DH. The effects of foot reflexion massage on sleep disturbance, depression disorder, and the physiological index of the elderly. Taehan Kanho Hakhoe Chi 2006 Feb; 36(1):15-24.
  7. Sewitch MJ, Cepoiu M, Rigillo N, Sproule D. Literature review of healthcare professional attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine. Medline abstract.
  8. Afifia FU, Wazaifyb M, Jabrc M, Treishc E. The use of herbal preparations as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a sample of patients with cancer in Jordan. Medline abstract 07 Jun 2010.
  9. Danny SS. Effectiveness of Acupressure on dysmenorrhoea. Nightingale Nursing Times 2009 Sep;5:29-33,62.
  10. Poornarasi P. A study to assess the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reduction of pain and associated behavioural changes among major abdominal surgeries. Nightingale Nursing Times 2008 Sep;4:43-4.

  1. Thomas AT. Effectiveness of PTP on pain management in children for staff nurses working in a selected hospitals of Karnataka. Unpublished Master of Science in Nursing thesis submitted to Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore; 2001.
  2. Francis I. A study to evaluate the effectiveness of PTP on knowledge of school teachers regarding the risk factors of coronary artery disease. Unpublished dissertation submitted to MangaloreUniversity; 1996.

9. / Signature of the candidate
10. / Remarks of the guide
11. / Name of designation of (in block letter)
11.1 Guide
11.2 Signature
11.3 Co-guide (if any) / MRS. SEENA S
PROFESSOR
MASOOD COLLEGE OF NURSING
MANGALORE
11.4 Signature
12. / 12.1Head of Department / MRS. JYOTHI SERAPHINE MADHA
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
MASOOD COLLEGE OF NURSING
MANGALORE
12.2 Signature
13. / 13.1 Remarks of the chairman and Principal / MRS. SEENA S.
PROFESSOR
MASOOD COLLEGE OF NURSING
MANGALORE
13.2 Signature

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