The effect of aromatherapy and acupressure on depression and quality of life of women with breast cancer: A Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. student in Internal Surgery Nursing, Student Research Committee, School of Nursing, Baqiyatullah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Nursing Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, School of Nursing, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Statistics, Health Research Center, Lifestyle Research Institute, Baqiyatullah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Reproductive Health, Nursing Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, School of Nursing, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2024.80001.6094

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, which reduces the quality of life and causes depression. The present study was conducted with aim to compare the effect of acupressure and aromatherapy on depression and quality of life of breast cancer patients.
Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 96 women with breast cancer who visited the clinic or chemotherapy unit at Baqiyatullah and Shahid Chamran hospitals in Tehran were randomly assigned to three groups: aromatherapy, acupressure, and control. The data collection tool was the standard questionnaire for assessing the quality of life in breast cancer patients and Beck's depression questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21) and ANOVA and paired t-test.
Results: In terms of quality of life, both in functional and symptomatic dimensions, the aromatherapy and acupressure groups had significantly better performance than the control group (p=0.003 and p<0.001, respectively). Additionally, both the aromatherapy and acupressure groups demonstrated a significant reduction in depression scores compared to the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Aromatherapy and acupressure significantly improve quality of life and reduce depression in patients with breast cancer. These interventions can be utilized as complementary methods in managing the physical and psychological symptoms of these patients. Further research with larger sample size is needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and explore the broader applicability of these approaches.

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References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 27, Issue 6
August 2024
Pages 42-54

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