Effect of Massage Therapy on Sleep Quality Among Elderly Women with Breast Cancer

Background: Poor sleep quality considered a persistent problem that commonly reported by breast cancer women especially in older adults resulting in increased morbidity, reduced productivity, and poor quality of life. Massage therapy has a positive effect in improving sleep quality and promote relaxation that can be utilized as supportive care. Aim : Determine the effect of massage therapy on sleep quality among elderly women with breast cancer. Research design: A quasi experimental research design was utilized. Method : a purposive sample of 72 elderly breast cancer women (≥60 years) attending at radiation unite of the oncology and nuclear medicine department. The study sample were divided into two groups; the study group (n=32) who received twelve Swedish massage sessions, and the control group (n=35) who received only routine care. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index was completed before and after massage intervention to evaluate sleep quality. Results : After 6 weeks of massage therapy, sleep quality scores improved significantly in the study group (P<0.001) compared to the control group. while within group comparison, there was a significant improvement in post intervention sleep scores compared to pre intervention sleep scores for study group at three time points (baseline, at week 3 and at week 6) (P<0.001), while did not differ in the control group. Conclusion: Massage therapy is effective approach in improving sleep quality in elderly women with breast cancer. Recommendations : Development and implementation of massage training program targeting elderly women with breast cancer to ensure