Effect of Zataria multiflora (Shirazi thyme) on gastrointestinal symptoms in intensive care units nurses

Occupational stress in nurses, especially those working in intensive care units, can cause a variety of problems such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin problems. Among these problems, gastrointestinal symptoms have a high prevalence. This study was done to investigate Zataria multiflora effect on gastrointestinal symptoms in nurses working in intensive care units. This is a randomized double- blind clinical trial. 70 nurses working in intensive care units of educational hospitals in Kashan city were selected to participate in the study. Informed consent forms were completed by nurses. They were randomly allocated into two groups. Intervention group received Zataria multiflora and control group placebo, three times a day. The intervention duration was one month. Data was gathered using a questionnaire consisted of two sections; demographic information and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Data was analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. Results showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in demographic characteristics and gastrointestinal symptoms. Before and after taking the drug, gastrointestinal symptoms score in Zataria multiflora group was 23.00±3.95 and 18.25±2.09 respectively, which showed a significant difference (p<0.001). But gastrointestinal symptoms were not significantly different between the two groups after the intervention. It seems Zataria multiflora can decrease gastrointestinal symptoms, so it can be offered to those nurses suffering from gastrointestinal problems.