Effects of aromatherapy on the overload and fatigue of informal elderly caregivers: a pilot study

Abstract

Objective: To verify the effect of aromatherapy (inhaled or via the skin) with lavender, sweet orange and bergamot essential oils on caregivers’ overload and fatigue. Method: Pilot, quasi-experimental, randomized, non-blind and parallel study with two groups. The reduced Zarit Burden Interview and Revised Piper scales were used, comparing the effect of two routes of administration. The recommendations of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials were respected. Final sample with 23 caregivers of elderly people cared for by the Home Care Program of a University Hospital, in the city of São Paulo, between May and September 2021. To analyze the outcome after 21 days, the Wilcoxon test was used to compare the effects. For the linear model, and for the variable perceived duration of fatigue, the Cumulative Link Mixed Model was used. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: Temporal perceptions of fatigue were reduced throughout the study for the groups. However, there was no decrease in overload or fatigue, regardless of the moment and groups. Conclusion: Overload and fatigue were reduced in the group that received the treatment through inhalation, showing no statistical significance.