The Effects of Aromatherapy on Stress and Burnout Among Healthcare Providers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 3-Arm Randomized, Double Blind, Controlled Trial
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Stress
- Sponsor
- Franklin Health Research
- Enrollment
- 114
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Post-intervention score on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) on day 7
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 4 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential for inhalation of plant-based aromas to reduce stress and burnout among healthcare professionals and staff in hospitals and urgent care centers.
Detailed Description
After being informed about the study and potential risks/benefits, participants will provide e-sign informed consent documents and be randomized to one of three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. Each participant will apply the assigned study oil to the jawline for inhalation three times daily for a total of 7 days.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Age 20-59
- •Lives in the United States
- •Otherwise healthy
- •Employed full time in a capacity that interacts with patients at a hospital, primary, or urgent care center that treats COVID-19 patients. Full time is defined as 35 hours or more each week.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Positive COVID-19 test within 60 days of the study period
- •COVID vaccine of any type scheduled during the intervention period or the week prior to the start of the study
- •Allergy to any of the ingredients
- •Regular smokers in the home (daily or more often)
- •Pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- •Existing use of an aromatherapy blend for stress management
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Post-intervention score on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) on day 7
Time Frame: Day 7
The DASS is a 42-item scale measuring depression, anxiety, and stress. Each item is measured on a 4-point frequency scale, scored from 0-3, with higher scores indicating greater frequency of each symptom.
Post-intervention score on the Profile of Mood States, abbreviated version on day 7
Time Frame: Day 7
The abbreviated version of the profile of mood states contains 40 items across 7 constructs. Each item is scored on a 5 point scale ranging from 0-4 with higher scores indicating higher levels of each construct.
Post-intervention score on the Maslach Burnout Inventory for Health Personnel on day 7
Time Frame: Day 7
The Maslach Burnout Inventory is a 22-item scale measuring 3 constructs of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal achievement. Each item is ranked on a 7-point likert scale, scored from 0-6, with higher scores indicating higher levels of burnout.