THE EFFECT OF CHEWING SUGAR-FREE GUM ON THE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF CONSTIPATION IN MALE PATIENTS UNDER LOWER LIMB SKELETAL TRACTION: A BLIND CLINICAL TRIAL

Background and Aim: Constipation is a common problem in orthopedic patients, therefore preventive interventions in nursing care for these patients is essential. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chewing sugar-free gum on the incidence and severity of constipation in male patients under lower limb skeletal traction. Materials and Methods: This study was an experimental clinical trial that was conducted in a single blind randomized interval in in Besat Hospital Sanandaj, Iran in 2017. Sixty two patients who were under skeletal traction using simple randomization by throwing coins were allocated into test group and control group. The incidence and severity of constipation in intervention group was measured based on ROM III questionnaire after 7 days of intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 23.Chi-square and T-test was also used. Results: The incidence of constipation in the test group was 45.2% (14 patients) and in control group it was 74.2% (23 patients). The results showed that the incidence of constipation in the test group was less than that of the control group and this difference was statistically significant (p <0.02). The mean constipation severity in the test group was 5.54 and in the control group it was 11.03, the difference was also significant statistically (p <0.015). Conclusion: The results of present study showed that chewing sugar-free gum as a complementary and non-pharmacological method was effective in reducing the incidence and severity of constipation in male patients under lower limb traction, therefore, this method can be used in completed bed rest patients.