The Effect of a Stress Ball on Perceived Stress, Pain and Satisfaction in Cancer Patients: A Distraction-Based Intervention

The objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of stress ball utilisation on perceived stress, pain and satisfaction levels during port catheter intervention in cancer patients. In this study, which was conducted in a randomised controlled design, a control group of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy (n=37) was assigned to receive standard care during port catheter needle insertion. An intervention group (n=37) was also formed, comprising patients who received stress ball application in addition to standard care. The intervention group was provided with a stress ball in both hands five minutes prior to the insertion of the port catheter needle and instructed to squeeze the ball in their hands at regular intervals until the conclusion of the procedure. Prior to the application, the descriptive characteristics of both groups were ascertained, and their perceived stress levels were assessed. Subsequently, the pain and perceived stress levels of both groups were documented. Additionally, the satisfaction levels of the intervention group regarding the stress ball application were evaluated.