J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2011 Feb;18(1):54-62.

Effects of Aroma Inhalation Method on Subjective Quality of Sleep, State Anxiety, and Depression in Mothers Following Cesarean Section Delivery

• Lee SO
• Hwang JH

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to test the effects of aroma inhalation on subjective quality of sleep, state anxiety, and depression of mothers who underwent a Cesarean section delivery.
METHODS
This study was designed as a nonequivalent control group quasi-experimental study based upon data acquired through a pre-post test. The experimental group (n=33) was given general obstetric nursing care plus dry inhalation method using lavender essential oil, in which each mother put one drop on a tissue and breathe near it for 5 minutes before going to bed. Then they put 1~2 drops on their pillow for 6 nights. The control group (n=34) was only given general obstetric nursing care. Data were collected using a questionnaire for measures of subjective quality of sleep, state anxiety, and depression by self-report. chi2-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test, and ANCOVA with SPSS/Win12.0 were used to analyze the data.
RESULTS
There were significant differences in subjective quality of sleep (p<.001), state anxiety (p=.049) and depression (p=.029).
CONCLUSION
The results suggest that aroma inhalation method can be an effective nursing intervention to improve quality of sleep and decrease anxiety and depression in postpartum mothers suffering from stress related to a Cesarean section delivery.

Keyword

Aromatherapy; Cesarean Section; Sleep; Anxiety; Depression

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Aromatherapy
Cesarean Section
Depression
Evaluation Studies as Topic
Female
Humans
Inhalation
Lavandula
Mothers
Obstetrical Nursing
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
Surveys and Questionnaires
Stress, Psychological