The impact of aromatherapy on pain, comfort, and anxiety in post-cesarean women: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aromatherapy on acute pain, anxiety, and comfort levels in primiparous women who underwent cesarean delivery.

Design

A randomized controlled experimental design was employed.

Setting

The study was conducted between March 2022 and March 2023 in a public hospital in Istanbul with 120 women who met the inclusion criteria and participated voluntarily.

Sample

The sample consisted of 120 women divided into three groups: Intervention 1 (Inhaler) Group (n = 30), Intervention 2 (Massage) Group (n = 30), and Control Group (n = 60).

Interventions

Participants were assigned to groups using a simple random number table. Pre-test assessments included the Descriptive Information Form, State Anxiety Inventory, and Trait Anxiety Inventory. In the Massage Group, participants received a 10-minute essential oil massage starting at the 8th postoperative hour on Day 0 and twice daily for 10 min on Days 1 and 2. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). In the Inhaler Group, aromatherapy with essential oil inhaler sticks was administered four times daily for 5 min on postoperative Days 0, 1, and 2, followed by VAS evaluation. The Control Group received standard clinical care. On Day 2, all participants were reassessed using the State Anxiety Inventory, Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Postpartum Comfort Scale (PCS).

Results

Pre-test scores showed no significant differences in anxiety levels between the groups (p > 0.05). In the final evaluation, the Massage and Inhaler Groups had significantly lower VAS scores (1.670±0.922; 1.730±1.081) and State Anxiety Inventory scores (42.270±3.162; 44.530±3.181), and higher PCS scores (4.010±0.150; 3.819±0.245) compared to the Control Group. The Control Group exhibited higher VAS and anxiety scores and lower PCS scores.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy, particularly when applied via massage, is an effective non pharmacological method for reducing pain and anxiety and enhancing comfort in the postpartum period following cesarean delivery. Incorporating this approach into clinical protocols is recommended.