Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center & Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
2
Medical Surgical Nursing, Student Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
3
Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center & Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
4
Department of Nursing, Shirvan School of Nursing, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
10.30468/beyhagh.2026.8254.298
Abstract
Introduction: Cesarean section is one of the major surgeries in women, and anxiety after it is common. Anxiety can also inhibit the milk ejection reflex and disrupt lactation. Therefore, anxiety management is important for maternal health, infant care, and breastfeeding. Given the side effects of anti-anxiety medications, this study investigated the effect of chamomile aroma on anxiety after cesarean section.
Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 86 primiparous cesarean section patients. The patients' anxiety levels were measured before and after the intervention using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The treatment group inhaled a 10% chamomile solution, while the control group inhaled distilled water. The data were analyzed with SPSS (20.0) software at a significance level of 0.05.
Results:
In the treatment group, a significant decrease in anxiety levels was observed after inhaling chamomile aroma. The mean of overt anxiety decreased from 41.6 to 38.11 and covert anxiety decreased from 42.13 to 40.69. Statistical test showed that these decreases were statistically significant (p<0.05). Therefore, these changes indicate the positive effect of chamomile aroma in reducing anxiety after cesarean section.
Conclusion: Chamomile aroma effectively reduces anxiety in primiparous cesarean section patients. The use of this method is recommended as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing anxiety after cesarean section and can help improve maternal health and breastfeeding success.
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