Effects of diffused essential oils for reducing stress and improving mood for clinical nurses: An interventional time series study. Issue 2 (19th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kerr, Debra; Hegg, Merril; Mohebbi, Mohammadreza
• Is Part Of: Nursing forum. Volume 56:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 305
• Page End: 312
• Publication Date: 2021-01-19
• Subjects: anxiety -- aromatherapy -- essential oils -- mood -- nurses -- stress; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7305
• DOI: 10.1111/nuf.12548
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-6473

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: This study examined the effect of EO diffusion in the clinical setting on nurses' mood. Design: Interventional interrupted time series study with two data collection points: prior to, and in the second week of diffusion. Methods: Self‐report questionnaires measured the impact of EO diffusion on nurses' stress, depression, anxiety, distress, and mood. Three EOs (Citrus Bliss, Grapefruit, Wild Orange) were diffused in 2‐week blocks, with a 1‐week wash‐out period. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t test were performed. Results: A paired sample was returned for 39 participants. There were significant improvements after diffusion of Citrus Bliss for stress (mean difference [MD]: 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82, 4.35), depression (MD: 1.83; 95% CI: 0.03, 3.64), distress (MD: 2.39; 95% CI: 0.58, 4.19) and mood (MD: 4.89; 95% CI: 0.52, 9.27). A large effect (Cohen's d effect >0.80) for depression and distress was observed for nurses who had previously used EOs and those with no reported external stressors. Conclusion: Diffusion of citrus EOs in the clinical setting positively affected nurses' mood. Future studies could also explore effect for patients and visitors.