CompletedNot Applicable

Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on Preoperative Anxiety, Stress, and Depression in Orthopedic Surgery Patients

Jordan128 participantsStarted 2024-03-01

Plain-language summary

This study evaluates whether inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essential oil can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in adult patients before orthopedic surgery in Jordan. Orthopedic procedures are often associated with high levels of psychological distress, which may worsen pain, delay recovery, and prolong hospital stay. Aromatherapy is a simple, non-drug intervention that may help patients feel calmer and better prepared for surgery. The study was conducted in two large public hospitals, Al-Bashir Hospital in Amman and Al Hussein Al-Salt New Hospital in Al-Salt. Adult patients (18 years or older) scheduled for major orthopedic operations who could read and write Arabic and agreed to participate were invited to join the study. Patients with respiratory problems, an allergy to lavender oil, pregnancy, or severe non-orthopedic pain were excluded. Participants were assigned to one of two groups. In the intervention group, patients inhaled 100% lavender essential oil for 20 minutes from a cotton pad placed about 5 cm from the nose before surgery. In the control group, patients inhaled room air only and received routine preoperative nursing care. All participants completed a short questionnaire, the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), before and after the intervention to measure their levels of anxiety, stress, and depression. A total of 128 patients took part, with 64 in the lavender group and 64 in the control group. The results showed that patients who received lavender aromatherapy had lower anxiety, stress, and depression scores before surgery compared with those who did not receive aromatherapy. These findings suggest that lavender inhalation aromatherapy may be a safe, low-cost, and easy-to-use option to improve psychological well-being for orthopedic surgery patients in the preoperative period.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 years or older. Undergoing major orthopedic surgeries (e.g., total knee replacement, total hip replacement, fracture reduction and fixation). Able to read and write in Arabic. Male or female patients. No apparent cognitive deficit. Willing to participate and able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Younger than 18 years of age. Unable to read or write Arabic. Mentally unqualified or with obvious cognitive impairment. History of respiratory problems (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) that may be affected by inhalation of essential oils. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to lavender essential oil. Pregnant women. Suffering from severe pain not related to the orthopedic surgery (e.g., burn pain).

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Preoperative Anxiety Score (DASS-21)

Timeframe: From baseline (within 2 hours before intervention) to immediately after the 20-minute inhalation session on the day of surgery.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07513831

SponsorAl-Zaytoonah University of Jordan

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-04-30

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Preoperative Anxiety trials