Effect of St. John's wort oil on skin moisture in intensive care patients

Title: Effect of St. John's wort oil on skin moisture in intensive care patients Aim: The research was conducted to evaluate the effect of St. John's wort oil application on skin moisture in intensive care patients. The study is a prospective pre-test-post-test controlled experimental study. Method: Research data was collected at Eskişehir City Hospital, between September 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024. Descriptive Characteristics Form, Braden Risk Assessment Scale, Moisture Meter Device and St. John's wort oil were used to collect data. In the sample size power analysis of the study, the total number of samples was found to be 138 with test power ( 1-β) 0.80, α(alpha)=0.05, effect level 0.10. The research was conducted on a total of 140 patients, 70 in the experimental group and 70 in the control group. St. John's wort oil was applied to the experimental group and routine nursing care was applied to the control group for 21 days. Independent Sample t test, ANOVA (Repeated Measures test), Mann- Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test and Pearson-χ 2 cross tables were used to evaluate the data. Results: When the humidity rates of the experimental and control groups were examined, it was determined that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week humidity rates were significantly higher than the 0th day in both groups. It was determined that the humidity rates in the 3rd week were significantly higher than the 2nd week. It was determined that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week moisture rates of the patients in the experimental group were significantly higher than the patients in the control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It has been observed that St. John's Wort oil has an effect on the skin moisture of intensive care patients. Key Words: Pressure ulcer, St. John's wort oil, Braden Risk Assessment Scale, dampness, nursing