Effects of Aroma Inhalation Therapy on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, and the Autonomic Nervous System in High-risk Pregnant Women

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aroma inhalation therapy on stress, anxiety, depression, and an autonomic nervous system reaction in high-risk hospitalized pregnant women. METHODS: A quasiexperimental study used a non-equivalent control group non-synchronized design. Fifty high-risk hospitalized pregnant women were selected as participants on delivery room and maternity ward at university hospital. Twenty-five were selected for the experimental group while 25 were assigned to a control group. Neroli essential oil was used for aroma therapy and was already identified as not being hazard to pregnant women. It provided emotional stability from previous study. The participants inhaled Neroli 2 minutes, 3 times (9 am to 10 am, 4 pm to 5 pm, just before sleep) a day. A total of 15 sessions were held from the day of the preliminary investigation. Pre and post written survey and measuring an autonomic nervous system reaction were collected from both groups. RESULTS: The data were analyzed by χ2 test, t-test, and paired t-test. There was a statistically significant difference in stress (t=-3.98, p<.001) between the experimental group and the control group. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that aroma inhalation therapy is effective as a nursing intervention for the stress relief of hospitalized high-risk pregnant women.