Reflexology versus aromatherapy massage for relieving anxiety and depression in hospitalized older women: A randomized clinical trial

۱) Background: One of the most common issues among hospitalized older patients is anxiety and depression. Several non-pharmacological methods have been used to relieve anxiety and depression. However, the advantages of non-pharmacological treatments in older population have only been demonstrated in a few studies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of reflexology and aromatherapy massage on anxiety and depression in hospitalized older women. ۲) Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, hospitalized older women were randomly assigned to three groups as reflexology, aromatherapy massage and control (n=۴۵ patients in each group). The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) was used to assess differences in anxiety and depression between the groups before and immediately after the interventions. ۳) Results: Anxiety and depression significantly reduced after the interventions in either the reflexology or aromatherapy massage groups (p= ۰.۰۰۱). However, reflexology had a better effect on the reduction of hospital anxiety and depression (Φ= ۰.۵۵).۴) Conclusions: While both reflexology and aromatherapy massage had positive effects on anxiety and depression in older women, reflexology was more effective for alleviating the older women’s symptoms. Future studies are suggested to examine the benefits of aromatherapy and reflexology on relieving anxiety and depression in older patients.

Keywords:

Aromatherapy , anxiety , coronary artery disease , depression , reflexology