Lavender Oil Aromatherapy as a Nursing Intervention for Anxiety in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

This literature review explores the impact of lavender oil aromatherapy via inhalation on anxiety levels amongst patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis treatment. In recent years, the use of aromatherapy has become more prominent in hopes of decreasing undesirable symptoms such as stress/anxiety and improving other aspects such as sleep. Moreover, many patients, whether in-patient at a hospital or out-patient at a clinic, experience some level of anxiety when going to receive their care. The question to be addressed is does lavender oil aromatherapy via inhalation have an impact on anxiety levels in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis treatment? To answer this question, a literature review was conducted, and many studies showed that lavender oil aromatherapy has a positive influence on anxiety levels.