Faculty of Nursing UNPAD Highlights Research on Mindfulness, Aromatherapy, and Prayer for Children with Cancer
To address the psychological challenges faced by children undergoing cancer treatment, researchers, including Windy Rakhmawati, S.Kp.,M.Kep., Ph.D., from the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Padjadjaran, have developed and evaluated an innovative intervention known as RADO (Relaxation, Aromatherapy, and Prayer).
The collaborative study, involving the Faculty of Nursing UNPAD, Faculty of Medicine UNPAD, and Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, targeted 66 children aged 10–17 years across three hospitals in Bandung. Over seven days, participants in the RADO group engaged in structured mindfulness-based relaxation exercises, inhalation aromatherapy, and guided prayer sessions.
The results were striking: children in the intervention group experienced significantly lower anxiety (p < 0.001) and better quality of life scores (p = 0.001) than those in the control group. The intervention proved especially effective for children with fewer than 10 chemotherapy cycles, as well as those diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
By integrating culturally familiar spiritual practices with evidence-based psychological techniques, the RADO program represents a promising approach to holistic pediatric oncology care. This work advances Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting comprehensive support strategies in hospital settings.
📄 Read the full study: https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S507759
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