The Effects of Aroma Hand Massage on Anxiety and Sleep in Cancer Patients during Hospitalization

아로마 손 마사지가 입원한 암 환자의 불안과 수면에 미치는 효과

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of aroma hand massage on anxiety and sleep in cancer patients during hospitalization. Methods: This study used a pre-post non-synchronized quasi-experimental design. Data were collected from 66 participating patients from July to December 2008. The participants were divided into an aroma massage group (n=25), a hand massage group (n=15), and a control group (n=26). The experimental group received aroma hand massage using 1% diluted lavender aroma oil once per day for 3 days. The massage was given by the researcher following the Korea Aromatherapy Health Professional Association massage protocol In contrast control group A received only a hand massage. The state anxiety, sleep condition, sleep satisfaction levels, and sleep duration were measured before and after the intervention trial. Results: The aroma hand massage group experienced in a significant decrease in their state anxiety (F=7.658 p=.001). Moreover, there was a significant increase in their sleep condition (F=18.047, p=.001), sleep satisfaction (F=30.016, p=.001) and sleep duration (F=23.019, p=.001) compared to the other groups according to one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's multiple comparison test. Also, noted was a significant increase in the sleep condition of the hand massage group as in the aroma hand massage group according to the Scheffe test. Conclusion: The study findings indicates that aroma hand massage decreases anxiety and increases the sleep condition, sleep satisfaction, and sleep duration of cancer patients.