Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Postoperative Pain Among School Age Children

Abstract

Background: Aromatherapy is one of the non-pharmacological methods, it is safe and effective for improving postoperative pain. Aim: This study was aimed to investigatethe effect of aromatherapy massage on postoperative pain among school age children. Design: A quasi- experimental research design was utilized. Setting: The study was conducted at the pediatric surgical unit in Assiut University Children Hospital. Subjects: It included 100 school age children who are suffering from postoperative pain. They were divided into two groups the experimental group (50 children who received aromatherapy massage beside the hospital routine ward care) and the control group (50 children who received the hospital routine ward care).Tools: Two tools were used to collect necessary data which included structured interview questionnaire for personal data and pain assessment scale.Results: It was found that the mean pain score of children in the experimental group was less than mean pain score of those in the control group with statistical significant difference. As well as statistically significant differences were found between the two groups as regards first, second, third, and fourth posttest of pain score post-operative. Conclusion Aromatherapy massage with lavender oil was an effective therapeutic option for postoperative pain Recommendation: Using aromatherapy massage as routine interventions for reducing postoperative pain in children.