Acupuncture for Sleep Disturbances in Post-Deployment Military Service Members: A Randomized Controlled Trial. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abanes, Jane J.; Ridner, Sheila H.; Dietrich, Mary S.; Hiers, Cynthia; Rhoten, Bethany
• Is Part Of: Clinical nursing research. Volume 31:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 250
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: acupuncture -- sleep disturbances -- military -- service members; Nursing -- Research -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/10547738211030602
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1054-7738

Abstract

This RCT and mixed-methods study examined the difference between two groups receiving the following interventions: (1) brief manual standardized stress acupuncture (MSSA) combined with an abbreviated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ACBT) versus (2) ACBT alone. Three study aims: Aim (1): Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were analyzed using descriptive summaries, linear regression, and reliable change index (RCI). Aim (2): Journal entries were analyzed using content analysis. Aim (3): Acupuncture Expectancy Scale (AES) scores were analyzed using paired t -test and RCI. Aim (1): Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in the ISI scores ( p = .480). Aim (2): The ACBT/MSSA group reported greater benefits in sleep and in other life areas including mental, physical, and social functioning. Aim (3): The AES showed that 21.6% had a clinically meaningful increase in expectations in the effect of acupuncture for stress ( p = .965). The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04031365) athttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04031365 on July 24, 2019.