Effects of Citrus aurantium aroma on post-cesarean anxiety

Today, cesarean section has been regarded as one of the most common gynecological surgeries. Post-cesarean anxiety is associated with reduced resistance against infections, increased use of analgesics, and delayed wound healing. So, management of post-cesarean anxiety is very important for maternal health and newborn care and breastfeeding. This study was performed with aim to evaluate the effect of Citrus aurantium aroma on post-cesareananxiety. This two-group randomized clinical trial study was performed on 80 pregnant women referred to Kermanshah Motazedi Hospital for cesarean in 2014. In intervention group, aromatherapy with 3 drops of citrus aurantium essence was performed immediately after pain onset and 12 hours later, and in control group, aromatherapy using normal saline was performed in the same way. Level of anxiety was evaluated using STAI[1] scale before and half hour after the both interventions. Data was analyzed using SPSS software (Version 18), and Fisher-test, chi-square, independent t-test, Repeated Measurement-test, and paired t-test. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean of anxiety before the intervention was 62.2± 5.617 in intervention group and 62.48±5.67 in control group that was not statistically significant. After the intervention, mean of anxiety immediately after the onset of pain (first stage of intervention) in intervention group was 44.25± 7.8 and 12 hours later (second stage of intervention) 29.15± 5.54 that compared with control group in the first stage of intervention was 60.23± 5.37 and the second stage of intervention 49.02± 4.64, was significantly reduced (P<0.001). According to effectiveness of Citrus aurantium aroma in reducing anxiety in women after cesarean, it can be optimized as a method used in post-caesarean section. In addition to cost-effectiveness and easy access, the mother's complications caused by anxiety can be reduced.