Effects of Aromatherapy Through Inhalation on Work Stress and Job Satisfaction Among Health Professionals

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of lavender oil inhalation on work stress and job satisfaction among health professionals. This randomized, experimental study involved 108 health professionals, of whom 36 were randomized into the intervention group, 35 into the placebo group, and 37 into the control group. The intervention was performed during work shifts of the intervention group (8 hours a day during a 5-day period). The intervention group was exposed to lavender oil inhalation through a diffuser and the placebo group was exposed to inhalation of distilled water containing light yellow food dye, but the control group did not receive anything. Data were collected with General Characteristics Form, The Swedish Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire, and The Minnesota Satisfaction Scale. The study was also registered at the Australia-New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000239864). Before the intervention, no significant difference was found in work stress and job satisfaction levels between the intervention, placebo, and control groups. After the intervention, the intervention group had a significantly lower work stress level and a significantly higher job satisfaction level than the placebo and control groups ( P < .05). Lavender oil inhalation can decrease work stress and improve job satisfaction.