Yuka Kanoya

Effect of Regular Gum Chewing on Levels of Anxiety, Mood, and Fatigue in Healthy Young Adults

Introduction: The effect of regular gum chewing on psychological status is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of gum chewing for fourteen days on psychological status and physical and mental fatigue in healthy young adults. Methods: We assigned 50 volunteers randomly to an intervention group (n = 26) and a control group (n = 24). Participants in the intervention group were requested to chew the gum twice per a day for fourteen days. The volunteers were required to complete a questionnaire related to lifestyle for baseline assessment. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Profile of Mood State (POMS), the World Health Organization Quality of Life 26, and assessment of physical and mental fatigue by visual analog scale were used at baseline, 2 weeks (after intervention), and 4 weeks (follow-up). Results: At 2 weeks, the score of state anxiety was significantly lower in the intervention group than the control group. The intervention participants’ scores of depression-dejection, fatigue and confusion in POMS were better than the control group scores. Mental fatigue were also relieved after the intervention. At 4 weeks, there were no significant differences between both groups. Conclusion: Fourteen days’ gum chewing may improve the levels of anxiety, mood and fatigue.

Relationship between educational programs offered at midsize hospitals in Japan and novice nurses' anxiety levels.

BACKGROUND This article describes training methods for novice nurses in midsize hospitals and examines how preceptorship is related to their anxiety levels. METHODS Questionnaires were sent to nurse managers in 15 hospitals; completed questionnaires were received from 11 hospitals. Sixty-three novice nurses evaluated the educational programs, and their anxiety levels were determined using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS Ten hospitals performed group orientation. Among these, 8 hospitals had a preceptorship program. The novice nurses in hospitals with a preceptorship program reported that preceptorship offered learning opportunities. CONCLUSION It is important that novice nurses receive appropriate education, which will reduce their anxiety.