Effect of Citrus aurantium and chamomile aromas on anxiety and vital signs in cardiac care unit patients: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background and Aim Complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy, were used to manage acute and chronic symptoms of diseases. Anxiety symptoms and deviations in vital signs are frequently manifest in patients admitted to the cardiac care unit (CCU). This study aimed to evaluate the impact o...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Fatemeh Mahmoodabadipoor, Zahra Imani‐Goghary, Mohadeseh Balvardi, Esmat Nouhi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-12-01
Series:Health Science Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70113
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Summary:Abstract Background and Aim Complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy, were used to manage acute and chronic symptoms of diseases. Anxiety symptoms and deviations in vital signs are frequently manifest in patients admitted to the cardiac care unit (CCU). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of citrus aurantium and chamomile aromas on anxiety levels and vital signs of patients hospitalized in CCU. Methods In this clinical research trial (CRT), a total of 76 hospitalized patients in the CCU were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received aromatherapy using a blend of chamomile and citrus aurantium essences at a ratio of 2:0.5 on an eye pad. They inhaled the aromas from a distance of 10 cm for three nights. Vital signs were recorded every 6 h. Spielberger's anxiety questionnaire was administered before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using independent t‐tests, paired t‐tests, Chi‐square tests, Fisher's exact tests, and the generalized estimating equation (GEE) approach. Results Before the aromatherapy, the mean (SD) scores of state and trait anxiety in the intervention group were 57.9 (11.4) and 50 (12.5) respectively, after the intervention, these scores decreased to 35.3 (8.4) and 38.5 (8.2), and the paired t‐test revealed a significant difference between them (p < 0.001). Before the intervention there was no significant difference in the mean scores of state and trait anxiety between the two groups, (p > 0.05), however following the intervention, a significant difference was observed (p < 0.001). Additionally, the intervention resulted in the recovery of patients' heart rate. Conclusions The results showed, application of citrus aurantium and chamomile aromas significantly lower anxiety levels and enhance the hemodynamic status of patients in the CCU. It may be suggested as a beneficial nursing intervention for these patients.
ISSN:2398-8835