Relaxation Effects of Aromatherapy Intervention on Female and Male Anxiety: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: The control or reduction of anxiety before surgery is one of the most important components of preoperative care. The question is whether anxiety differs in male and female candidates for surgery. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy with Citrus aurantium on anxiety in men and women candidates for surgery. Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 60 patients and controlled by placebo. The patients were divided into 30 subjects in the control group and 30 subjects in the aromatherapy group (inhaling C. aurantium essential oil). The patients completed the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory before and after the intervention. After collecting information, the questionnaire information was analyzed using SPSS software (version 16). Results: After aromatherapy, 20% of men had mild state and trait anxiety. Moreover, 80% of men had relatively mild state and trait anxiety. In the group of women, 20% of the cases had mild state and trait anxiety. Furthermore, 73.3% of women had relatively mild state and trait anxiety. Additionally, 6.7% of women had relatively severe anxiety. Anxiety reduced after the intervention among men and women (P < 0.001). In addition, the severity of anxiety among women in the control group increased after placebo intervention (P < 0.05). Moreover, the effect of C. aurantium aroma was further observed in women than men; however, there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that inhaling the C. aurantium aroma reduces anxiety in patients. Aromatherapy also has the potential to be replaced by chemical drugs due to fewer side effects and risks, and cost-effectiveness.