Effect of Grape Vinegar and Rosewater versus Chlorhexidine on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Aims: Improving oral hygiene is a part of the nursing care in oncology centers. Its maintenance can also play an important role in improving Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQOL). This study investigated the effect of natural grape vinegar and rosewater solution on oral health-related quality of life in chemotherapy patients. Materials Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 chemotherapy patients. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups of intervention and control. The participants rinsed their mouths with grape vinegar and rosewater solution for one minute thrice daily for 14 days. An oral Health Impact Profile was used for data collection. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21, using descriptive statistics methods and inferential analysis tests, including an independent sample T-test. Findings: The global mean score of oral health-related quality of life in the chlorhexidine group was 31.8±4.8 and19.5±4.6 for one day before and 21 days after the intervention, respectively. These values for grape vinegar and rosewater group patients were 30.8±6.3 and 14.1±4.1, respectively. The independent sample T-test showed a significant difference between the two groups at 21 days after the intervention. Conclusion: Grape vinegar and rosewater combined solution improves OHRQOL in chemotherapy patients.