Comparing the effects of geranium aromatherapy and music therapy on the anxiety level of patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery: A clinical trial

IntroductionAnxiety may lead to negative post-surgery outcomes in patients. It is essential to find strategies to manage pre-surgery anxiety and prevent unwanted consequences in patients. Aromatherapy and music therapy can be used to help patients managing their pre-surgery anxiety.ObjectiveTo compare the effects of Geranium aromatherapy and music therapy on the anxiety level of patients undergoing inguinal hernia surgery.MethodsThis randomized clinical trial was conducted in Imam Educational Hospital in Mahabad, Iran. One hundred and fifty patients were recruited and randomly allocated to aromatherapy, music therapy, and control groups. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to measure the patients’ pre-surgery anxiety (primary outcome) before and after the intervention. Geranium essential oil and instrumental music were used in aromatherapy and music therapy groups respectively. The patients in the control group received no intervention. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 25.0.ResultsThe results showed significant differences in the mean anxiety score of aromatherapy, music therapy, and control groups (P=0.011). Inhalation Geranium aromatherapy and music therapy groups had significantly lower mean anxiety scores compared with the control group after the intervention (P<0.001). Moreover, the value of decrease in the mean anxiety score was greater in the aromatherapy group compared to the music therapy group.ConclusionsMusic therapy and aromatherapy are recommended as inexpensive and safe complementary medicine. These methods are effective strategies to assist patients with managing their pre-surgery anxiety, which results in reduced patient post-surgery complications and shorter surgery recovery time.