The effect of diaphragmatic breathing on nausea, vomiting and functional status among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy

To examine the effect of diaphragmatic breathing (DB) on nausea, vomiting, and functional status among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Indonesia. A quasi experimental study with non-equivalent pretest and posttest control group was conducted. A total of forty-eight breast cancer patients (24 DB and 24 control participants) undergoing chemotherapy participated in this study selected conveniently. DB intervention was performed to the intervention group after chemotherapy cycle twice a day for six days, meanwhile the control group received usual care. A set of questionnaires was used to collect data consisting of Patient Information Form, Rhodes Index Nausea, Vomiting and Retching (RINVR) and The Functional Living Index-Cancer (FLI-C). Data were analyzed and interpreted using Generalized Linear Model, Wilcoxon Test, Paired T Test and Mann-Whitney U test. There were significant changes in RINVR mean scores for the intervention group that started on the third day after chemotherapy (p = 0.000); meanwhile, the significant changes in RINVR mean scores for the control group began on the fifth day (p = 0.000). The total score of FLI-C was significantly different between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.000). DB could decrease nausea and vomiting, and increase functional status of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It can be promoted as a useful low-cost self-management approach and an additional and complementary therapy to manage chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. •Breast cancer patients undertaking chemotherapy would experience nausea and vomiting.•Diaphragmatic breathing is one of complementary alternative medicine.•Nausea and vomiting could be reduced by diaphragmatic breathing.•Diaphragmatic breathing increase functional status of breast cancer patients undertaking chemotherapy.