4-7-8 Breathing Before Colonoscopy: Effects on Anxiety, Pain, and Embarrassment

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the 4-7-8 breathing technique performed before colonoscopy on patients' anxiety, pain, and embarrassment. Colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the large intestine and may cause anxiety, discomfort, and embarrassment in some patients. In this randomized controlled study, 104 patients undergoing colonoscopy were assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Patients in the intervention group performed the 4-7-8 breathing technique before colonoscopy, while patients in the control group received usual care. Anxiety, pain, and embarrassment were assessed to compare outcomes between the two groups. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the 4-7-8 breathing technique performed before colonoscopy on patients' anxiety levels, pain intensity, feelings of embarrassment, and physiological parameters.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were aged 18 years or older, had effective verbal communication skills, were scheduled for their first-ever colonoscopy, were fully conscious and oriented, experienced no intraoperative or postoperative complications, had no diagnosed neurological or psychiatric disorders, and agreed to participate voluntarily Exclusion Criteria: * Patients were excluded if they were under 18 years of age, had hearing or speech impairments that would prevent understanding of the breathing technique instructions, regularly used anxiolytics or sedatives, or exhibited abnormal vital sign fluctuations requiring acute medical intervention during or after the procedure.