A study to assess the knowledge regarding chromotherapy among staff nurses working at selected hospitals in Mysore

Ms. Saraswathi. K. N, Mrs. Lissa J.

Assistant Professor, JSS College of Nursing, Mysore

*Corresponding Author Email: saraswathimysores803@gmail.com

ABSTRACT:

Chromotherapy is a method of treatment that uses the visible spectrum (colors) of electromagnetic radiation to cure diseases. Chromotherapy is used for a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue, pain, cramps, headache, migraine, headache, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, cough, and many other conditions. The present study was aimed to assess the knowledge regarding chromotherapy among staff nurses working at selected hospitals in Mysore.

Objectives:

1. To assess the knowledge regarding chromotherapy among staff nurses.

2. To find out the association between the level of knowledge regarding chromotherapy among staff nurses with their selected socio-demographic variables.

Methods:

A descriptive study approach was adopted for the study. Samples were selected using non probability convenient sampling technique; samples consist of 100 staff nurses from JSS Hospital in Mysore. Data from the study participants was collected by structured knowledge questionnaire on chromotherapy. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:

The findings of the study revealed that the staff nurses knowledge regarding chromotherapy was inadequate. Data shows that majority of staff nurses had poor knowledge regarding chromotherapy 50 (50%) of nurses had inadequate knowledge, 25 (25%) had moderately adequate knowledge and only 25 (25%) had adequate knowledge regarding chromotherapy.

The findings of the study also revealed that the knowledge of staff nurses regarding optional vaccines was not having any significant association with their selected personal variables viz. age, educational qualification, religion, years of experience and source of information regarding chromotherapy.

Conclusion:

From the study findings, it is understood that the knowledge regarding chromotherapy was inadequate. This emphasizes on more responsibility of health care professionals, especially nurses in application of chromotherapy for effective patient care.

KEYWORDS: Senior Citizens, Social Problems, Coping Strategies.

INTRODUCTION:

Chromotherapy practitioners believe that color can be used to correct energy imbalances which are the cause of disease. A chromotherapist applies specific colors or lights to specific points on the body called “chakras.” Different colors have different effects. For example, red is thought to increase pulse rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Therefore, it is often used for circulatory conditions. Blue is believed to cause relaxation and calm. Therefore, blue is used for headaches, pain, cramping, stress and other conditions.

NEED FOR THE STUDY:

The Society of Critical Care Medicine recommends using calming colors that promote rest in critical care units (Fontaine et al., 2001). Blues, greens and violet are appropriate, because they have healing and calming influences and are stress-reducing colors. Reds, orange and yellow colors should be avoided, because they induce excitement, increase blood pressure and can cause fatigue (Starkweather et al, 2005).

OBJECTIVES:

1. To assess the knowledge regarding chromotherapy among staff nurses.

2. To find out the association between the level of knowledge regarding chromotherapy among staff nurses with their selected socio-demographic variables.

HYPOTHESIS:

H₁: There will be association between the level of knowledge regarding chromotherapy among staff nurses with their selected socio-demographic variables.

METHODOLOGY:

Research Design: The research design selected for study was descriptive design.

Sampling technique: Convenience sampling technique

Sample: Mothers of under five children sample size was 100.

VARIABLES:

Study variable: Knowledge regarding chromotherapy

Extraneous variables: Socio demographic variables such as age, educational qualification, religion, years of experience and source of information

Setting:

The present study was conducted in JSS Hospital Mysore

DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUE:

Section A:

It deals with socio demographic characteristics which include age, educational qualification, religion, years of experience and source of information.

Section B:

Structured knowledge questionnaire was prepared to assess knowledge regarding chromotherapy among staff nurses.

RESULTS:

Section 1: Selected personal variables of staff nurses.

TABLE 1: Frequency and percentage distribution of selected personal variables of staff n = 100

Si no

Demographic variable

Frequency

Percentage

Age in years

a) 21-31

b) 31-41

c) Above41

Sex

a)male

b) female

Educational qualification

a)GNM Nursing

b)Bsc (N)

c)P.B.Bsc(N)

d)P.B.Diploma Nursing

Religion

a) Hindu

b) Muslim

c) Christian

years of experience

a) 1-10 years

b) 11-20 years

c) Above 20 years

source of information

a) Journals

b) Mass media

c) others

Section 2: Mean, median, standard deviation and range of Knowledge of staff nurses regarding chromotherapy n= 100

staff nurses

Mean

Range

Standard Deviation

Knowledge scores

22.6

8-30

+ 10.9

Section 3 : Frequency and percentage distribution of staff nurses according to their level of knowledge regarding chromotherapy Table 3

si no	Knowledge level	Frequency	Percentage
1	Inadequate knowledge	50	50
2	Moderately adequate knowledge	25	25
3	Adequate knowledge	25	25

n = 100

Section 4: Association between level of knowledge regarding chromotherapy among staff nurses with their selected personal variables

The selected personal variables such as age, educational qualification, religion, years of experience and source of information regarding chromotherapy was not found to have significant association with level of knowledge at 0.05 level.

CONCLUSION:

RECOMMENDATIONS:

The following recommendations were made based on the results of the study.

· A large scale study can be conducted to generalize the findings.

· A similar study can be conducted by adopting the true experimental approach.

· An experimental study can be conducted to determine the effectiveness of planned teaching programme among staff nurses

· A comparative study can be conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of health personnel regarding chromotherapy.

REFERENCE:

1) Article: “Color Therapy Healing”, Brenna Coleman http://www.suite101.com/content/color-therapy-healing-a131543.

2) Article: “A summary of Color in Healthcare Environments: A Critical Review of the Research Literature”, Jean M. Young, ASID, CID, AAHID http://www. health care design magazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?nm=Articles and type = Publishin gandmo d = Publications %3A % 3A Article and mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791andtier=4andid=2 29CD8CB930A4BA49C3A29876C08702C

Received on 07.02.2015 Modified on 14.02.2015

Asian J. Nur. Edu. and Research 5(3): July- Sept.2015; Page341-343

DOI: 10.5958/2349-2996.2015.00070.1