Research Article

The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children

Volume: 8 Number: 1 April 3, 2026
TR EN

The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children

Abstract

Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are significant adverse effects that greatly reduce the quality of life in children diagnosed with cancer. Aim: To evaluate the effects of using a handheld fan on the face to alleviate nausea and improve physiological parameters in children aged 7-18 years receiving their first chemotherapy treatment. Methods: This two-group randomized controlled trial with 53 children (experimental group n=29, control group n=24) was conducted between December 2022 and March 2023 at a pediatric oncology department. Data collection tools included an information form, observation form, and Baxter Retching Faces (BARF) nausea scale. Measurements of heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and nausea level were taken in both groups immediately before chemotherapy and at 5, 30, and 60 minutes after the end of treatment. In the experimental group, the fan was applied three times for 5 minutes each at 15 cm from the child's face, immediately before each posttreatment measurement. Statistical analyses included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significantly lower BARF scores (p=0.005) and heart rate (p=0.022) at 60 minutes posttreatment compared to controls, with no significant differences at 5 or 30 minutes. The experimental group also showed decreased heart rate from pretreatment to 60 minutes (p=0.004). SpO₂ levels remained unchanged between groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest that the fan intervention may serve as a supportive strategy for managing nausea and improving the quality of life in pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Keywords

Project Number

58797649-050-

Ethical Statement

Istanbul Kent University Health Sciences Research and Publication Ethics Committee (Date: 06.04.2021, no: 58797640-050)

Thanks

The authors would like to thank the participants for their co-operation.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Pediatric Health and Illnesses Nursing

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

April 3, 2026

Submission Date

July 29, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 19, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 1

APA
Karadağ Aytemiz, Ö. E., Gözen, D., Alkı, K., & Çiçek, G. (2026). The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children. Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Dergisi, 8(1), 29-36. https://doi.org/10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1750261
AMA
1.Karadağ Aytemiz ÖE, Gözen D, Alkı K, Çiçek G. The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children. UHSJN. 2026;8(1):29-36. doi:10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1750261
Chicago
Karadağ Aytemiz, Özge Eda, Duygu Gözen, Kübra Alkı, and Gökçe Çiçek. 2026. “The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children”. Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Dergisi 8 (1): 29-36. https://doi.org/10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1750261.
EndNote
Karadağ Aytemiz ÖE, Gözen D, Alkı K, Çiçek G (April 1, 2026) The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children. Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Dergisi 8 1 29–36.
IEEE
[1]Ö. E. Karadağ Aytemiz, D. Gözen, K. Alkı, and G. Çiçek, “The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children”, UHSJN, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 29–36, Apr. 2026, doi: 10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1750261.
ISNAD
Karadağ Aytemiz, Özge Eda - Gözen, Duygu - Alkı, Kübra - Çiçek, Gökçe. “The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children”. Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Dergisi 8/1 (April 1, 2026): 29-36. https://doi.org/10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1750261.
JAMA
1.Karadağ Aytemiz ÖE, Gözen D, Alkı K, Çiçek G. The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children. UHSJN. 2026;8:29–36.
MLA
Karadağ Aytemiz, Özge Eda, et al. “The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children”. Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Hemşirelik Dergisi, vol. 8, no. 1, Apr. 2026, pp. 29-36, doi:10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1750261.
Vancouver
1.Özge Eda Karadağ Aytemiz, Duygu Gözen, Kübra Alkı, Gökçe Çiçek. The Effect of the Handheld Fan on Reducing Chemotherapy-Associated Nausea in Children. UHSJN. 2026 Apr. 1;8(1):29-36. doi:10.48071/sbuhemsirelik.1750261

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