Effect of Aromatherapy Massage with Bergamot on Pain, Sedation, and Anxiety in ICU Patients

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Quantitative and Qualitative Research Paper

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

2 Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Birjand University of Medical Science, Birjand, Iran

3 Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

4 Qom university of medical sciences

5 Department of Persian Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine Qom University of Medical Sciences

10.22038/ebcj.2025.88834.3155

Abstract

Background:
Pain, anxiety, and agitation are common complications among intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing mechanical ventilation, often leading to poor clinical outcomes. Complementary therapies such as aromatherapy massage may offer a non-pharmacological approach to alleviate these symptoms.
Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy massage using bergamot essential oil on pain, sedation, and anxiety levels in mechanically ventilated ICU patients.
Methods:
In this randomized controlled trial, ICU patients with a hospital stay of more than 24 hours were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) aromatherapy massage with bergamot essential oil, (2) massage with almond oil, and (3) control (standard care). The interventions were administered once daily for three days per week. Pain, sedation, and anxiety levels were measured using the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT), the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), and the Facial Anxiety Scale (FAS) at baseline, and at 30 minutes and 6 hours post-intervention.
Results:
Both the aromatherapy massage and massage-only groups showed significant improvements in post-test CPOT and FAS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in RASS scores between the groups.
Implications for Practice:
Aromatherapy massage with bergamot essential oil and regular massage may be effective, low-risk interventions for reducing pain and anxiety in mechanically ventilated ICU patients. These complementary therapies could be considered as adjuncts to routine care in critical care settings.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Evidence Based Care

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 25 October 2025

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