Evaluation the Effects of Chewing Gum

NCT07764367 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: 2024-KAEK-82KBÜBAP-25-YL-030
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 66
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of gum chewing in the early postpartum period on bowel function, postpartum comfort, and postpartum satisfaction in women. The sample consisted of 66 women, 33 in the experimental group and 33 in the control group. Data were collected using a pre-assessment form, a demographic information form, a bowel function monitoring form, a postpartum comfort scale, and a maternal satisfaction scale (cesarean delivery). While the control group received no intervention other than standard postoperative care, the experimental group underwent gum chewing at 4, 6, and 8 hours postpartum.

Conditions

Intestinal Motility; Postpartum Satisfaction; Postpartum Comfort

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Bowel motility (time to pass gas and stool)

  2 hours after cesarean section (baseline) and 44-48 hours after cesarean section (post-test).

• Maternal Satisfaction With Caesarean Birth Measured Using the Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction-Caesarean Birth

  This measurement was evaluated using the Maternal Satisfaction Assessment Scale at Birth (Cesarean Birth). Developed by Güngör and Beji (2009) to assess the experiences of women in the early postpartum period after cesarean delivery, this scale consists of 42 items on a 5-point Likert scale with 10 sub-dimensions: perception of the healthcare team, preparation for cesarean section, reassurance, participation in decision-making and information sharing, meeting the baby, postpartum care, hospital room, hospital facilities, respect for privacy, and meeting expectations. Each item on the scale is scored between 1 (strongly disagree) and 5 (strongly agree). Twelve items (8, 9, 10, 19, 20, 21, 22, 34, 35, 37, 40, 41) are reverse-scored. The highest possible score is 210, and the lowest is 42. As the score on the scale increases, the level of satisfaction also increases.

  2 hours after cesarean section (baseline) and 44-48 hours after cesarean section (post-test).

• Postpartum Comfort Level Measured Using the Postpartum Comfort Scale (PCS)

  This measurement was evaluated using the Postpartum Comfort Scale. It is a scale developed by Karakaplan and Yıldız, based on Kolcaba's general comfort scale, and adapted for our country. It was developed to evaluate the comfort of women who have had cesarean and vaginal deliveries. The scale consists of 34 items with 3 sub-dimensions: sociocultural, psychospiritual, and physical, using a 5-point Likert scale. Each item is scored between 1 (strongly disagree) and 5 (strongly agree). The highest possible score on the scale is 170, and the lowest is 34. The Postpartum Comfort Scale and sub-dimension scores are evaluated based on the total score, and as the score increases, the comfort level of the women increases.

  2 hours after cesarean section (baseline) and 44-48 hours after cesarean section (post-test).

Study Arms (2)

chewing gum group

EXPERIMENTAL

Other: chewing gum

no initiative

NO INTERVENTION

Interventions

chewing gum OTHER

In addition to routine post-cesarean care, women in the experimental group were given commercially available sugar-free, aspartame-free, sorbitol-free, xylitol-free, soft, and easy-to-chew gum to chew from the 4th hour post-operatively until they switched to Diet I. Since oral feeding was started at the 6th hour in the clinic where the study was conducted, women in the experimental group were given gum to chew at the 4th, 6th, and 8th hours after cesarean section, with each chewing session lasting between 15 and 30 minutes. The women were instructed to chew their gum at the 6th hour post-cesarean and then drink water before starting oral feeding. The gum used in one period was not repeated in the next period; a new pack of gum was used. In this way, each woman chewed a total of 3 pieces of gum.

chewing gum group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 45 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Women aged 18-45 years
• Women who underwent cesarean section under epidural or spinal anesthesia

You may not qualify if:

• Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia
• Jaw or oral membrane problems that may prevent chewing gum
• Any systemic or chronic disease
• Any mental or psychiatric illness
• History of chronic constipation
• Any communication problems, including mental, auditory, or visual impairments

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Karabuk Training and Research Hospital

Karabük, 78100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Chewing Gum

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Plant Gums; Biopolymers; Polymers; Macromolecular Substances; Polysaccharides; Carbohydrates; Plant Exudates; Biological Products; Complex Mixtures; Candy; Food; Diet, Food, and Nutrition; Physiological Phenomena; Food and Beverages

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 2, 2026
• First Posted: August 13, 2026
• Study Start: December 10, 2024
• Primary Completion: September 30, 2025
• Study Completion: September 30, 2025
• Last Updated: August 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)