The Effects of Aromatherapy on Dysmenorrhea, Menstrual Pain, Anxiety, and Depression in Nursing Students

향기요법이 간호대학생의 월경 곤란증, 월경통, 불안 및 우울에 미치는 효과

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aromatherapy on dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain, anxiety, and depression in female college students. Methods: A two-group cross-over design was used. The sample included a total of 20 female students who were enrolled in a 3 year nursing program. The treatments(aroma essential oil inhalation and the placebo inhalation) were given using a necklace. The data were analyzed by $x^2$-test, paired t-test, and Mann-Whitney test using SPSS/WIN 12.0 program. Results: The level of dysmenorrhea after the aroma treatment was not significantly different from the dysmenorrhea levels at pre-test and after the post-placebo treatment. The menstrual pain, anxiety and depression significantly improved after the aroma treatment. However, the levels of pain, anxiety, and depression after the aroma treatment were not significantly different from those after the placebo treatment. Conclusion: Aroma inhalation may be a effective in managing menstrual pain, anxiety, and depression. In order to further clarify the effect of aroma treatment on discomfort during menstruation, replication studies are necessary. Future studies need to examine the effects of different types of essential oils, administrating methods, and the lasting time of aroma treatment effect.