Aromatherapy for reducing chemotherapy-induced anxiety

Abstract

Purpose of this study: In Malta, aromatherapy is not a method which is frequently used or mentioned in relation to chemotherapy-induced anxiety which may be attributed to the fact that the general population in Malta utilise medication for treatment rather than utilising complementary and alternative methods (CAM). Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine whether aromatherapy can be beneficial in reducing chemotherapy-induced anxiety. Research question: In patients receiving chemotherapy, does the use of aromatherapy improve chemotherapy-induced anxiety in comparison to not using aromatherapy? PICO elements: The study population included patients receiving chemotherapy, the intervention was the use of aromatherapy and the outcome was chemotherapy-induced anxiety. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed for all the PICO elements except for the comparison since it was not considered in this review. Furthermore, study designs, date and language were also included in the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methods of appraisal used: The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2020) tool was used. Outcome of the search: Three studies were deemed to be appropriate for this literature review from the four databases researched. Results from the evidence: The three articles concluded that aromatherapy is effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced anxiety. However, a definite answer cannot be provided since all three were missing several important methodological aspects. Conclusion: Aromatherapy is a beneficial intervention for chemotherapy-induced anxiety; however more studies need to be carried out because the studies available were missing several important key aspects required when the critical appraisal was conducted. Implications and Recommendations: The main recommendations were to increase awareness on the use of aromatherapy rather than focusing solely on medications for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anxiety. More studies on this topic are required with a particular focus on the most effective method of aromatherapy and exploring the use of lavender as the main essential oil.