Aromatherapy using lavender to reduce anxiety in patients at the preoperative stage

Abstract

Anxiety is a common emotional response experienced by patients prior to undergoing surgical procedures. Preoperative anxiety may lead to various physiological and psychological effects that can worsen the patient’s overall condition. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as lavender aromatherapy, are known for their sedative properties, which help reduce anxiety levels through inhalation mechanisms. This study aimed to implement complementary lavender aromatherapy as part of nursing care for preoperative patients experiencing anxiety. A descriptive case study approach was employed, involving one preoperative patient diagnosed with anxiety in Lily 1 Ward at Soerojo Hospital, Magelang. The intervention consisted of inhaling 3”“5 drops of lavender essential oil applied to tissue or cotton for 20 minutes, administered over two consecutive days. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). The patient’s HARS score decreased from 20 (mild anxiety) to 12 (no anxiety) following the intervention. The patient also reported improved sleep quality and a reduction in restlessness and physical tension. These findings indicate that lavender aromatherapy is an effective, simple, safe, and cost-efficient complementary nursing intervention for reducing anxiety in preoperative patients and may be integrated into routine clinical practice.

Keywords: Anxiety, aromatherapy, complementary therapy, preoperative stage, surgery