The Effect of Aromatherapy and the Benson Relaxation Technique on the Anxiety of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Anxiety as a common symptom in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), can threaten their quality of life. This study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy using lavender and the Bensonchr('39')s relaxation technique on the anxiety of patients with ACS. Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 96 patients with ACS were selected using consecutive sampling method from two hospitals in an urban area of Iran. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups of aromatherapy (n=32), the Bensonchr('39')s relaxation (n=32) and control (n= 32) using the block size of six. The interventions were performed in two consecutive days, once a day for 20 minutes. Anxiety was measured before and immediately after the intervention using the Spielbergerchr('39')s Anxiety Inventory. Data was analyzed using the   Chi-square, Fisherchr('39')s exact tests, One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Bonferroni post hoc test and mixed-model repeated measures ANOVA with a 3*2*2 design via the SPSS software v.16. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in state and trait anxiety scores between the groups after the intervention in each of the study days (p> 0.05). The time effect (p=0.001), group-day interaction effect (p=0.005) and time- (pretest and posttest) and days effect (p=0.029) on state anxiety was statistically significant. The time effect (p<0.001) and group-day interaction effect (p<0.001) on trait anxiety was statistically significant. Conclusions: The Bensonchr('39')s relaxation methods and lavender aromatherapy did not significantly reduce anxiety in patients with ACS. Considering the anxiety and its complications in patients with ACS and the importance of its management, further studies are needed to determine appropriate care and treatment for these patients and to reduce their anxiety.