The effect of lemon essence aromatherapy on anxiety and physiological indices in patients candidate for lower extremity fracture surgery: A clinical trial

Abstract

Background & Aim: Preoperative anxiety can lead to various challenges. Aromatherapy using lemon essence may alleviate certain complications. This study aimed to determine the effect of lemon essence aromatherapy on anxiety levels and physiological indices (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate, and SPO2) in patients who are candidates for lower extremity fracture surgery. Methods & Materials: This randomized clinical trial employed convenience sampling to recruit 90 patients referred to SUMS, who were subsequently randomized into control (n=45) and intervention (n=45) groups in 2021. The aromatherapy intervention commenced on the morning of the surgical procedure and extended through the operating and recovery rooms, continuing for 16 hours post-surgery. Almond essential oil was administered to the control group. Data collection involved the Spielberger Inventory for anxiety assessment and a checklist of physiological indices. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The study findings showed a significantly greater reduction in state anxiety levels in the intervention group compared to the control group (P0.05). Conclusion: The utilization of aromatherapy with lemon essential oil resulted in a decrease in the state anxiety and an improvement in some physiological indices of the patients who underwent surgery for lower extremity fractures. Therefore, this complementary approach is recommended in conjunction with routine treatments. Clinical trial registry: IRCT20130616013690N10

Keywords

• aromatherapy
• lemon
• vital sign
• anxiety
• fractures