The effect of lavender oil on anxiety before endoscopy in children: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lavender oil on anxiety before endoscopy in children. Design and methods: This study was a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of patients aged 9-12 years who were about to undergo endoscopy in a tertiary center. The study sample consisted of 66 children (intervention = 22; placebo = 22; control = 22). Data were collected using a randomized controlled trial with the Sociodemographic Data Collection Form prepared by the researcher and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) scale. Results: The STAIC state and trait anxiety states of the participants were compared between the groups and no statistically significant difference was found in terms of STAIC trait anxiety scores (p > 0.05). When the STAIC state anxiety scores were compared, it was found that participants in the intervention group had a statistically significantly lower state anxiety score (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Lavender oil inhalation was effective in reducing pre-procedural anxiety in children. Application to practice: Healthcare professionals can use lavender oil as an aromatherapy method to reduce children's anxiety in clinical settings. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.