The Effect of Sweet Orange Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Pulse Level of Nurse Students

The Effect of Sweet Orange Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Pulse Level of Nurse Students During IV Cannula Placement Skill Process

This randomized controlled study examined the effect of sweet orange essential oil aromatherapy on reducing anxiety experienced by nursing students during the IV cannulation process. First-year nursing students from a university in eastern Turkey participated in the study. According to the sample size determined by G*Power analysis, 100 students were randomized, and the study was completed with 47 students in the experimental group and 48 students in the control group.

All students were taught IV cannulation skills theoretically and practically. Subsequently, students in the experimental group performed IV cannulation on real patients after receiving aromatherapy. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, a Pulse Monitoring Form, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sweet orange essential oil aromatherapy in reducing anxiety among nursing students during the IV cannulation procedure. The study was conducted with first-year nursing students enrolled in the nursing department of a university in eastern Turkey. The sample size was determined using G*Power analysis, and a total of 100 students were randomized into two groups. The study was completed with 47 students in the experimental group and 48 students in the control group.

All participants received standardized theoretical and practical training on IV cannulation. Following the training, students in the experimental group were exposed to sweet orange essential oil aromatherapy before performing IV cannulation on real patients, while those in the control group proceeded with the procedure without aromatherapy intervention.

Data collection tools included a Personal Information Form, a Pulse Monitoring Form to track physiological responses, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess anxiety levels. The study aimed to determine whether aromatherapy could serve as an effective non-pharmacological strategy for alleviating procedural anxiety among nursing students.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being actively enrolled in school, not having performed an IV cannulation before, taking the Basic Principles and Fundamentals in Nursing I course, and not having any health issues that would prevent inhaling sweet orange oil.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not volunteering to participate in the study, not being actively enrolled in school, and having any health issues that would prevent inhaling sweet orange oil.