EFFECT OF LAUGHTER THERAPY IN WOMEN WITH MIGRAINE

Objective: Many women suffer from migraines, regardless of their menstrual cycle. This study aimed to determine the effect of laughter therapy on women with migraine. Design: This is a randomized controlled study to determine the effect of laughter therapy on migraine. Setting: Single center in Turkey. Population: 52 women with migraine. Materials: and methods: This randomized controlled study was carried out with 52 female students with migraine (control: 28, experimental: 24) studying in the faculty of health sciences of a university. The sample was randomly divided into two groups using the draw lots method. The experimental group received 20-30-minute laughter therapy once a week for 8 weeks. Main outcome measures: Data were collected before and after the therapy using an Individual Identification Form created by the researchers, the Visual Analog Scale, and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. Results: : There was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of the Psychological Well-Being Scale (p>0.05). Eight participants in the experimental group had no headache or migraine attack during the laughter therapy. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the pre-therapy and post-therapy pain severity in the experimental and control groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Laughter therapy can be effective in reducing pain and preventing migraine attacks in women with migraine.