O-153 The Effect Of Aromatherapy, Music Therapy And Vibration Applications On Neonatal Stress And Behaviours

Abstract

Background and aims It is important for physicians and nurses at neonatal units using advanced technology to understand neonatal behaviours and to support newborns by complementary care applications. This randomised controlled study was conducted experimentally to determine the effect of aromatherapy (with lavender+sweet almond oil), music therapy (Traditional Turkish Music) and vibration application (with electric toothbrush) on neonatal stress and behaviours. Methods The study was conducted in a university hospital in Kayseri, Turkey. Totally 80 preterm infants assigned randomly to 4 groups as control, aromatherapy, music therapy and vibration application. Data were collected with questionnaire form, Brazelton Newborn Behavioural Assessment Scale (BNBAS) and Newborn Stress Evaluation Form (NSEF). On the first, third and fifth days, BNBAS and NSEF were applied both pre- and post-intervention application continued one session/day for five days. Data were analysed with two-way analysis of variance for the repeated measurements, Student-Newman-Keuls tests. Results Of the preterm infants, there was significant difference between measurement times in mean BNBAS scores (p = 0.001, p = 0.040) and the source of the difference was the control group. Conclusions Aromatherapy, music therapy and vibration application decreased stress in newborns and favourably affected the behaviours of newborns. Complementary care applications (especially aromatherapy, music therapy) by physicians and nurses in neonatal units may be recommended.