Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Fatigue, Sleep Quality, Physical Activity, and Quality of Life in Pancreatic Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Background Patients with pancreatic cancer exhibit various symptoms and numerous physiological and psychological complications. Therefore, designing intervention measures to alleviate symptoms is crucial. Objective This study explored the effectiveness of a 4-week auricular acupressure intervention for reducing fatigue and improving quality of life, sleep quality, and physical activity in patients receiving chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a medical center in northern Taiwan. The study participants comprised 80 patients undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. The experimental group received auricular acupressure therapy for 4 weeks, which targeted the shenmen (TF4), sympathetic (AH6), liver (CO12), spleen (CO13), and subcortex (AT4) acupoints, and the control group received routine care. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group Core Questionnaire-C30, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group Core Questionnaire-PAN26, Brief Fatigue Inventory—Taiwanese version, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and 3-day Physical Activity Record were used for assessment. Results After auricular acupressure therapy for 4 weeks, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in insomnia symptoms during weeks 1 to 4, as measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Group Core Questionnaire-C30 (all P < .01), and improvements in sleep quality by week 4, as measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index ( P < .036). Conclusions After auricular acupressure therapy for 4 weeks, significant improvements were observed in patients’ sleep quality and quality of life in terms of insomnia. Implications for Practice Auricular acupressure can improve sleep quality and other aspects of quality of life among patients undergoing chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer. The study findings indicate the potential of auricular acupressure as an adjunctive cancer care treatment.