Lavender Aromatherapy To Reduce Anxiety Among Elderly Residents At A Nursing Home In Indramayu

Vollständiger Abstract

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Anxiety among older adults is an increasingly common mental health problem, particularly among elderly individuals living in nursing homes. Long-term use of pharmacological therapy may lead to various side effects, making non-pharmacological approaches an important alternative in geriatric care. Lavender aromatherapy has been recognized as a complementary intervention that may help reduce anxiety symptoms. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in reducing anxiety levels among elderly residents at a nursing home in Indramayu Regency. Methods: This study employed a pre-experimental approach using a one-group pre-test–post-test design conducted from June to December 2024 at a nursing home in Indramayu Regency. A total of 30 elderly participants were selected purposively based on inclusion criteria, including mild to moderate anxiety levels, the ability to communicate effectively, and willingness to participate in the intervention sessions. Anxiety levels were assessed using a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.706). Prior to analysis using the paired t-test, data normality was assessed and confirmed to meet the normal distribution assumption. Results: The findings showed a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels following the lavender aromatherapy intervention (p < 0.05). Before the intervention, 13.3% of participants experienced severe anxiety, 60.0% had moderate anxiety, and 26.7% had mild anxiety. After the intervention, 66.7% of participants were categorized as having mild anxiety, 33.3% experienced moderate anxiety, and no participants remained in the severe anxiety category. These results indicate an improvement in anxiety levels among elderly participants after the intervention. Conclusion: Lavender aromatherapy may serve as a complementary non-pharmacological intervention that can help reduce anxiety levels among elderly individuals living in nursing homes. This intervention may be considered as part of psychological support programs in geriatric care, although further studies using more rigorous research designs are needed to confirm its effectiveness.