Aromatherapy and Foot Massage on Happiness, Sleep Quality, and Fatigue Levels of Patients With Stroke

Effects of Aromatherapy and Foot Massage on Happiness, Sleep Quality, and Fatigue Levels of Patients With Stroke

Background: Stroke puts important economic and social loads on the society and was reported to be the most important reason for disability throughout the world.

Purpose: The present study aims to experimentally examine the effect of aromatherapy and foot massage on happiness, sleep quality, and fatigue levels of patients with stroke.

Material and method: The present study is a randomized clinical study with a control group. Participants were randomly divided into three groups (foot massage + aromatherapy, aromatherapy, and control). The study was carried out with 91 patients diagnosed with stroke. The data were collected using Sociodemographic Status Survey, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, Piper Fatigue Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics 24) package program. The results were interpreted using frequency tables and descriptive statistics. Foot massage group was given 30min foot massage sessions (3 days per week) for 4 weeks, whereas foot massage + aromatherapy group was given lavender oil inhaler during the foot massage.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of stroke at least 3 months, stroke levels of mild or moderate, no use of sleeping pill, volunteering in participation, not being allergic to aromatic oils, no problem with sense of smell, and no lung problem

Exclusion Criteria:

• Exclusion criteria were ulceration or lesion problem in foot, bone deformation in foot, history of allergy, cognitive or mental or language problems, difficulty in verbal communication, psychotic disorders, and not knowing the Turkish language.