Effects of oral gargling with aroma solution in psychiatric inpatients: A non-randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of oral gargling with an aromatic solution on xerostomia, objective oral status, and oral health-related quality of life in psychiatric inpatients. Methods: A nonequivalent control group with a non-synchronized design was used in this study. The experimental group (n=34) received oral gargling with an aroma solution, while the control group (n=33) gargled with 0.9% normal saline. Dependent variables were measured at pre-, post-, and follow-up test. Data were analyzed using an c2-test, Fisher’s exact probability test, t-tests, and repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS/WIN v.21.0. Results: After the intervention, significant differences were revealed in xerostomia (F=15.30, p