Effect of Chinese auriculotherapy on the mood of health professionals: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: to verify the effectiveness of an auriculotherapy protocol for reducing signs and symptoms of stress in improving the mood of health professionals. Method: a controlled and randomized pilot study with two groups of 40 participants each, intervention and control, carried out in an oncology hospital. Inclusion criteria: working for at least one year in the hospital and a score of 40 to 150 on the Stress Symptoms List. All participants answered the biosociodemographic questionnaire and the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) before and after the study. The intervention consisted of six auriculotherapy sessions, and the control group did not receive treatment. Results: a mean age of 36.5 years, 50.0% single, 57.5% with children, 33.7% nurses, and mean time in their institution was 59.1 months. There was a significant decrease in the overall score and in the BRUMS mental confusion and tension (0.05) domains. Conclusion: The auriculotherapy protocol improved the mood of nursing professionals.

Keywords

• auriculoterapia
• terapias complementares
• profissionais de enfermagem
• humor
• estresse ocupacional