Effects of diffused essential oils for reducing stress and improving mood for clinical nurses: An interventional time series study

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.

Keywords: anxiety; aromatherapy; essential oils; mood; nurses; stress.