Effect of Aromatherapy with Lavender Extract on Occupational Stress among Operating Room Staff

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational stress is recognized as one of the most serious occupational hazards in developed countries. Stress-related problems can cause behavioral, mental, and physical symptoms leading to a decrease in work performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of aromatherapy using lavender extract on staff job stress in the operating room environment. Materials & Methods: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 25 staff in Hojat ibn-al-Hassan al-Askari Hospital in Isfahan during September 2017. The study sample was selected using the convenience method. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability. The operating room staff were asked to complete the questionnaires before and after aromatherapy. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistical tests (mean and Wilcoxon test). Findings: The results of the study showed that aromatherapy had only a significant effect on one of the symptoms of job stress (i.e., feeling calm at the workplace). However, there was no statistically significant difference before and after the intervention regarding the total occupational stress of the staff. Discussion & Conclusions: Due to the effect of aromatherapy with lavender extract on some symptoms of occupational stress, this method can be used in the operating room environment to reduce occupational stress among staff.

Keywords

• aromatherapy
• lavender occupational stress
• operating room