Introduction: Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecologic disorders affecting more than half of menstruating women that interferes with daily activities. This study investigated the effect of aromatherapy massage on a group of Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences students who are suffering of primary dysmenorrheal.
Method: This study is a clinical trial that conducted on 100 students with primary dysmenorrhea who were educating in Iranshahr. Group 1 received aromatherapy abdominal massage once daily for seven days prior to menstruation using the essential oils (cinnamon and lavender in a base of almond oil). Group 2 received the same intervention but with placebo oil (almond oil).Severity of pain was compared in pre intervention cycle and two cycles post intervention in both 2 groups. Results were analyzed by SPSS through chi square and t-test in 0.5 level of significancy.
Results: The mean of dysmenorrhea severity was not significant in pre intervention cycle between two groups (P=0.3), but pain reduction in each two cycles after interventions in both groups was reported. This reduction was more in group 1 (cinnamon and lavender) and it was more significant in two cycles (P<0.05).
Conclusion: These results suggests that aromatherapy is effective in alleviating menstrual pain. Aromatherapy can be provided as a nonpharmacological pain relief measure and as a part of nursing care given to girls suffering of dysmenorrhea.
Salehian T, Safdari Dehcheshmeh F. The Effect of Aromatherapy Abdominal Massage on Alleviating primary dysmenorrhea in Students. IJNR 2015; 9 (4) :29-35 URL: http://ijnr.ir/article-1-1438-en.html