ABSTRACT
Objective
To compare the efficacy of experimental auriculotherapy and placebo auriculotherapy with sham points for the treatment of stress in nurses of a charity hospital in São Paulo.
Method
Randomized, single-blind, controlled trial. The sample consisted of 168 nurses with medium and high stress levels according to the List of Stress Symptoms (LSS). The participants were randomized to three groups: Auriculotherapy (G1), Placebo (G2) and Control (G3). Groups 1 and 2 received 12 sessions, twice a week. The points used in Group 1 were: Shenmen and Brainstem; in Group 2 the points were: External Ear and Face Area. The three groups were evaluated at baseline, after eight sessions, 12 sessions and in a follow-up (after 15 days).
Results
Group 1 achieved a 43% reduction and a 1.81 Cohen d index (high effect), presenting statistical difference after eight sessions, maintained in the follow-up evaluation (p <0.001), according to Analysis of Variance. Group 2 achieved a 26% reduction, with Cohen’s d index of 0.86 (great effect), achieving a difference after 12 sessions (p<0.001), maintained in the follow-up (p <0.05). The G3 did not present stress reduction.
Conclusion
Experimental auriculotherapy achieved greater stress reduction among nurses, but there was no statistical difference between the two intervention groups. Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials: RBR-req2792
Auriculotherapy; Burnout, Professional; Nursing; Placebos; Complementary Therapies
