Effect of Benson relaxation technique on anxiety in critical care nurses

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Benson relaxation technique on anxiety of critical care nurses.
Background. Anxiety is one of the important factors affecting nursing profession and the quality of care. Some complementary interventions such as Benson relaxation techniques may affects anxiety.
Method. This was an experimental study (pretest-posttest with control group design) in which 63 critical care nurses of Shahid Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center, Tehran in 2015. Stratified samples were selected based on ward and randomly allocated to to experimental and control group. Benson relaxation technique was implemented by experimental group for 20 minutes, twice a day, with at least six hours interval, and for a two weeks period. Data were collected through demographic questionnaire and Spielberger questionnaire. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 21 using Chi-square test, t-test, Fisher's exact test and repeated measures ANOVA.
Findings. In experimental group, the mean and standard deviation of anxiety, before the intervention and one and two weeks after intervention were 42.19±4.85, 43.67±7.55 and 42.12±6.12, respectively. A week after the intervention, the two groups had significant difference in terms of anxiety. The mean score of anxiety in the control group was more than nurses in the intervention group (P=0.011). Also, following application of Benson relaxation, anxiety intensity decreased in the intervention group as compared to baseline. In the control group, the mean score of anxiety increased overtime.
Conclusion. Implementation of Benson relaxation can reduce the anxiety of critical care nurses. This method is proposed as part of the nurse's anxiety reduction programs by managers and officials in medical centers.