The Effects of Honey on Oral Mucositis in Cancer Patients Receiving FOLFOX4 Chemotherapy

Abstract

Abstract

            Oral mucositis is a common complication among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and can significantly affect their well-being and treatment outcomes. This quasi-experimental study aimed to compare the incidence of oral mucositis, oral pain levels, and the number of days with oral mucositis among cancer patients receiving FOLFOX4 chemotherapy. The sample consisted of 60 patients who received chemotherapy at Uthai Thani Hospital between June and December 2024. Participants were purposively selected and assigned to either a control group receiving standard oral care or an experimental group receiving a honey-based oral care protocol (n = 30 per group). Data collection instruments included: (1) a general patient information form, (2) an oral mucositis assessment form, (3) the Numeric Rating Scale for oral pain, and (4) a record form for the number of days with oral mucositis. The intervention tools consisted of (1) a honey-based oral care practice guideline and (2) an instructional manual for honey application. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher's Exact Test and Mann–Whitney U test.

            The study results revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower incidence of oral mucositis (p = .019), lower oral pain levels
(p = .001), and fewer days with oral mucositis (p = .003) compared to the control group receiving standard oral care.

            The findings indicate that the honey-based oral care practice guideline is effective in reducing the incidence, severity, and duration of oral mucositis among cancer patients receiving FOLFOX4 chemotherapy. This intervention may be applied as a supportive care practice for improving oral health outcomes during chemotherapy.

Keywords : Honey, Oral mucositis, Chemotherapy, FOLFOX4