Introduction: Menopause, the permanent cessation of menstruation, is an important event in the long process of climactrium, signaling a change from the years of fertility to infertility. Postmenopausal women have many physical and mental problems.

Materials and Methods: The objective of this study was to determine the mental problems of menopausal women referred to the health care centers of Ilam University of Medical Sciences in 2003. The research tools in this analytical-descriptive study were a questionnaire, record sheet and standard tests composed of Beck and Cattle scales. The data were collected by interview. The samples consisted of 150 menopausal women who had been selected by random sampling method. The data analysis was done by SPSS software.

Results: The results showed that short-term memory disorder (39.3%), mild depression (32%) and mild anxiety (27.7%) were the most common mental problems. There was a significant relationship between depression and marital status (p=0.029) and having knowledge about menopause (p = 0.04). Anxiety had no relationship with any variables (p>0.05) but there was an association between depression and anxiety (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: The findings show that the menopausal women suffer from mental problems, which influence their quality of life and community health. Thus, planning educational and health care programs to help them overcome these obstacles is essential.

Background & Aim: Anxiety is one of the emotional conditions among patients scheduled for surgery that can result in increasing postoperative pain, increasing analgesic and anesthetic requirements and prolonging hospital stay. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of acupressure (acupuncture without needle) in reducing patients&apos anxiety before abdominal surgeries.

Methods & Materials: In this randomized, blinded, sham controlled trial, 70 patients who were scheduled to undergo abdominal surgery in Tehran University of Medical Sciences&apos hospitals were selected using convenience sampling method. The patients were randomized to an acupressure group (n=35) or a placebo group (n=35), receiving acupressure either at the right points (Yintang and Shen men) in acupressure group or at sham points in the placebo group for 10 min. Anxiety was recorded on a Visual Analog Scale (0-10). Vital signs were measured before and after pressure application in both groups.

Results: The anxiety was decreased in both groups following pressure application for 10 min (P<0.001). The amount of anxiety was significantly different between the groups (P<0.001). The heart rate, respiratory rate, and diastole/systole pressure (P<0.001) were decreased in the case group. Only heart rate (P=0.016) and respiratory rate (P=0.007) were decreased in the placebo group. Changes in respiratory rate and systole pressure following pressure application were statistically significant between two groups.

Conclusion: Acupressure at the right points can decrease anxiety before abdominal surgeries but it has no clinical effect on vital signs.

Background & Objective: High levels of assertiveness and low levels of anxiety are important factors that result in suitable communication. They also increase intellectual abilities, abstract thought, power & autonomy, and personal well-being among nursing and midwifery students. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between assertiveness and anxiety among midwifery and nursing students.

Methods & Materials: In this correlational, cross-sectional study, 173 nursing students (68 males & 105 females) were recruited using census and rational methods. Seventy seven midwifery students were also recruited using census method. Data were collected using a self-report tool including "personal information form", "Trait Spilberger Anxiety", and "Assertion Inventory" (AI) of Gambrill & Richey. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Results: Results showed that more than half of the nursing and midwifery students (59.5% and 59.7%, respectively) had moderate assertiveness. Also, 43.3% and 36.4% of them had moderate and high levels of anxiety. Pearson correlation test revealed that assertiveness and anxiety had negative correlations in nursing (r=-0.51, P<0.001) and midwifery (r=-0.449, P<0.001) students. Some demographic variables had significant correlations with assertiveness and anxiety among the students.

Conclusion: Regarding the relationship between assertiveness and anxiety and their effect on mental health, as well as educational and occupational functions of the students, more attention is needed to pay to theses issues. Also, it seems that appropriate interventions should be planned to increase assertiveness and to decrease anxiety among the students.

Background & Aim: Surgery is a stressful experience. Fear of postoperative pain causes anxiety. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of patient education about pain control on patients&apos anxiety before abdominal surgery.
Methods & Materials: In this quasi-experimental study, 89 patients who were planned to undergo elective abdominal surgery in an educational hospital were recruited to the study. Informed consents were obtained. The participants were randomly allocated in two control (n=45) and experimental (n=44) groups. The questionnaire included demographic information, clinical characteristics, and the Spielberger&aposs State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Patients in the experimental group received education about pain control one day before surgery. The education method was oral explanation for 20-30 minutes. The control group received no intervention. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square, t-test, Fisher&aposs exact test, Wilcoxon signed ranks and Mann-whitney&aposs tests) in the SPSS.
Results: Findings indicated that there was a significant difference in anxiety level between the experiment and control groups before surgery (P<0.001). There was also a significant difference between anxiety level in the surgery day (P<0.001) between the two study groups. The anxiety level was significantly decreased in the experiment group.
Conclusion: Based on our findings, patient education about pain control led to reduce preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Patient education is a non-medical simple intervention that is recommended for using in surgery wards.

 

Background & Objective: Pregnancy is a situational crisis in women&aposs lives that is potentially related to anxiety. Massage, a kind of relaxation technique, is a non-pharmacological intervention for anxiety relief. Slow stroke back massage is an independent nursing procedure that is closely associated with the caring nature of nursing. This study aimed to assess the effect of slow stroke back massages on anxiety level among primigravid women in two clinics in Shiraz in 2007.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 80 primigravid women aged 15-35 who were in the 3^rd trimester of pregnancy were enrolled in the study. The participants were randomly allocated in the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received slow stroke back massage for 10 minutes in three consecutive mornings. Anxiety level was measured before and immediately after the intervention in both groups. Data were gathered using the state anxiety Spielberger questionnaire and were analyzed using Chi-square test, Fisher&aposs Exact test, Paired t-test, and Independent statistic test (t-test).
Results: The means of the anxiety level were 51±6.6 and 49.90±6.6 at baseline in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P=0.460). After the intervention, the means of anxiety level were 48.18±6.52 and 51.50±7.39 in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P=0.036).
Conclusion: According to the results, slow stroke back massage seems to be an effective nursing intervention for anxiety relief in primigravid women. It provides an opportunity for nurses to offer individualized and holistic patient care.

Background & Objective: Labor potentially causes stress and anxiety, especially in nulliparous women. In Iran, many pregnant women undergo cesarean section electively due to fear of labor pain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of reflexology on the anxiety level, blood pressure, and pulse in nulliparous women in Kerman.
Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 70 nulliparous women with gestational age more than 37 weeks and cervical dilatation of 3-4 cm were recruited for the study. The participants were randomly allocated to two equal reflexology and control groups. The reflexology group received the intervention for 20 minutes (each foot: 10 minutes) on their feet and the control group received massage for 20 minutes on their legs. Anxiety level, blood pressure and pulse rate were measured at baseline and immediately after the intervention using Spielberger questionnaire.
Results: Anxiety level did not differ between the two groups at baseline (P=0.85). After the intervention, the mean of anxiety level was significantly lower in the reflexology group than in the control one (P<0.001). The pulse rate (P=0.44) and blood pressure (P=0.59) did not differ significantly in two study groups after the intervention.
Conclusion: Reflexology reduced anxiety level in labor.

Background & Aim: Anxiety is a common experience which is felt as uneasiness, non-specific threat, and activation of autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of muscular relaxation on anxiety level of patients underwent cardiac catheterization.

Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 118 patients who were expected to have a cardiac catheterization were recruited from an educational hospital at Tehran University of Medical Science. The participants were allocated to two groups, including muscular relaxation group (50 patients), and control group (68 patients). Data were collected using a questionnaire, and a self-report paper for recording anxiety level. Anxiety level was recorded one hour before cardiac catheterization in two groups. Then, the intervention group was asked to listen to the Benson muscle relaxation guide direction tape for 20 minutes through headphone. After using muscle relaxation in the intervention group and immediately before cardiac catheterization, the anxiety level of the respondents was recorded once more. Control group received standard nursing cares. Data were analyzed using χ², Fisher&aposs exact test, Kruscalwallis, Man-Whitney and Wilcoxon statistical tests in the SPSS.

Results: There were no significant difference between two groups in demographic characteristics and anxiety level before the intervention and one hour before cardiac catheterization. After the intervention, the anxiety level was significantly reduced in the intervention group (P<0.001) while it increased in the control group.

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, Benson muscle relaxation significantly decreased anxiety level in patients who were expected to go for cardiac catheterization.

Background & Objective: Invasive procedures are severe stressors for
in-patient children. The stress result in sleep disorder, reduced concentration, and increased pain. Nowadays, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions are used to control stress. We aimed to assess the effect of massage on children&aposs anxiety level before intensive procedures.

Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 70 children aged 7-11 were recruited from a children hospital. The participants were randomly allocated to the intervention and control groups. The intervention group received massage therapy in the Yeen tang point and palms for five minutes. The control group received the usual care. Anxiety was measured using OSBD-R. Data were analyzed using Mann-Wittny and Willcoxon statistical tests.

Results: The anxiety level was not significantly different between two groups before the intervention (Control group: 3.24±0.48 Intervention group: 3.24±0.56) (P=0.472). Following the massage, the anxiety level decreased significantly in the intervention group (Intervention group: 1.57±0.54 Control group: 3.37±0.46) (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Massage in the Yeen tang point and palms can reduce the anxiety level in hospitalized children prior to invasive procedures. It is recommended to use this massage technique in pediatric wards to reduce anxiety level.

Background & Aim: Pregnancy experience can be a kind of crisis in women&aposs lives. Different forms of anxiety can make problems in pregnant women. This study aimed to determine the effect of attachment education on anxiety and attachment behaviors of first-time mothers.

Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 84 primigravida women were selected from two hospitals in Shirazi using convenience sampling. The participants were randomly allocated to the test and control groups. Data were collected using a personal data form, the Anxiety Inventory Spielberger, and the maternal infant attachment tab view. The intervention group received four two-hour sessions during one month training course on attachment behavior. Maternal attachment behaviors were shaped Weekly on the forms. The control group received usual care of pregnancy. At the first day after the delivery, the researchers observed mothers attachment behavior during breastfeeding in all groups using Avant sheet without informing the mothers. Data were analyzed using statistical tests such as Chi-square, T-test, and paired t-test.

Results: The mean of the anxiety score was no significantly different before the intervention between the groups (P=0.59). The average anxiety scores was statistically significant after the intervention in the two groups (P=0.003). Also, average scores on the attachment of mothers with the breastfeeding infants was statistically different (P<0.001) in the intervention group.

Conclusion: Attachment behavior training reduces anxiety and increases maternal attachment.

Background & Objective: Hospitalization of patients in the intensive care unit of open heart surgery (ICUOH) is often stressful for patients&apos family carers. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the informational support on anxiety among families of patients undergone open heart surgery.

Methods & Materials: In this double-group randomized clinical trial, 64 family carers of patients undergone open heart surgery were selected using convenience sampling method and were randomly allocated into two intervention or control groups. The informational support consistedof  holding the ICU orientation tours and educational sessions, and providing educational pamphlets and booklets. The members of the control group received routin information. The anxiety of the family carers was measured using the trait Spielberger anxiety questionnaire before surgery and in the day of discharge from the ICU. Independent and paired t-tests were used to analyze the data.

Results: According to the findings, there were no significant difference between the two groups regarding demographic charachteristics. At the baseline, the mean of anxiety scores were 47.9±11.5 and 49.2±11.5 in the control and intervetion groups, respectively. The anxiety scores diminished in both groups after the surgery, however, the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups (P=0.18).

Conclusion: For effective control of anxiety among family members of patients, both informational support and other supportive techniques such as psychological support and meeting other family needs should be considered.

  Background & Aim: Hysterectomy is a common gynecologic surgery leading to great concerns in women. This study aimed to determine the effect of foot massage on anxiety level after hysterectomy.

  Methods & Materials: In this double-group randomized clinical trial, 60 women undergone hysterectomy were selected using convenience sampling method and were randomly allocated into two intervention or control groups. Patients in the intervention group received foot massage three sessions during three consecutive days (every session lasted 20 minutes). In the control group, the researcher was only beside the women for 20 minutes. The Spilberger anxiety questionnaire was used to measure the anxiety level. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and independent t-test.

  Results: The mean of the anxiety score was not significantly different between the two groups before the intervention (P=0.21). After the intervention, there was significant difference between the two groups in the anxiety scores (P<0.001). There was also significant difference between the two groups in the anxiety scores one week after the surgery (P<0.001).

  Conclusion: Foot massage can reduce anxiety in patients who underwent hysterectomy.

  Background & Aim: Reducing maternal anxiety has a critical role in maternal and fetal mental and physical health. This study aimed to assess the effect of two anxiety reducing techniques including relaxation and maternal-fetal attachment training on anxiety in third trimester and postpartum depression among primipara women.

  Methods & Materials: In this clinical trial, 126 pregnant women were randomly selected and divided into three groups including relaxation training, maternal-fetal attachment skills training, and control group. The participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Spillberger and Beck questionnaires and written consents at baseline. The participants completed the questionnaires after the intervention too. The one way ANOVA and paired t-test were used to analyze the data. 

  Results: At baseline, the mean total anxiety, state and trait anxiety and depression scores were not significantly different between the groups. The ANOVA showed differences in the mean score of anxiety after the intervention (P=0.03) in the intervention groups. There were statistically significant differences between the attachment and control groups (P=0.01) and the relaxation and control groups (P<0.001) in terms of the mean score of state anxiety. The ANOVA showed a reduction in the mean score of state anxiety after intervention in the attachment (P=0.02) and relaxation groups (P=0.01). There was significant difference after the intervention in the mean score of maternal depression (P=0.002) between the attachment and relaxation groups with the control group (P=0.01, P=0.01 respectively). 

  Conclusion: A ttachment and relaxation trainings can reduce maternal anxiety and post-partum depression. Pregnancy visit is an important opportunity to screen maternal anxiety and prevent post-partum depression using simple and non-expensive training programs.

  Background & Aim: Women who experience anxiety during labor are more vulnerable to physical and mental illnesses. Emotional support by a knowledgeable individual can improve physical and even mental conditions. This study aimed to determine the effect of presence of a Doula in delivery unit on parturient women’s anxiety .

  Methods & Materials: This is an experimental study using a randomized interrupted time series with a control group. Using convenience sampling, 64 parturient women with research inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the control or intervention groups. The parturient women in the intervention group benefited from presence of a Doula and her support. The control group received the usual care without presence of the Doula. Data were collected using the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory and a checklist. The results were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests in the Stata-11 . 

  Results: The age, education, family income, location of residency, the trait and state anxiety did not have any differences between the two groups at the baseline. After the intervention, the state anxiety was reduced significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group at the time of leaving the labor room, delivery room and recovery room (P<0.001) .

  Conclusion: According to the present research findings, Doula can significantly reduce the anxiety level and its complications among parturient women during childbearing .

  Background & Aim: Lack of knowledge about acute myocardial infarction and its treatment result in feeling anxious among the patients. Implementing appropriate educational methods can decrease anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This study was conducted to compare effects of two educational methods (face-to-face and electronic educational methods) on anxiety among patients with acute myocardial infarction .

  Methods & Materials: This was an experimental study in which 105 patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction in the "CCUs" of three educational hospitals were selected based on eligibility criteria and were allocated into three groups including face-to-face educational group, electronic education group, and control group using block randomized allocation. Data were collected using demographic check-list and the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory questionnaire. The level of anxiety was measured before and immediately after the interventions in all three groups. Data were analyzed in the SPSS-16.

  Results: Both educational methods reduced anxiety significantly in patients with acute myocardial infarction. There were no significant difference between the two educational method groups in the anxiety level (P=0.94) .

  Conclusion: Both face-to-face and electronic educational methods reduced anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction. It is recommended that nurses use one of these educational methods to reduce anxiety among the patients .

  Background & Aim: Anxiety is associated with postpartum mood disorder and is increased with birth of high risk neonates. Foot reflexology is a nursing intervention that can be used to reduce anxiety. T he aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on anxiety in mothers with high risk neonates after Cesarean section s .

  Methods & Materials: In this non-randomized clinical trial, 99 mothers having high risk neonates were recruited from the Women's General Hospital and Valieasr Hospital . The participants were allocated into three groups (n=33/group) using convenience sampling method . The group I received foot r eflexology for 40 minutes group II received leg massage and the control group received usual care after the Cesarean section. The Spielberger questionnaire was completed at baseline and three days after the interventions by the participants . Data were analyzed using the r epeated measure ANOVA and Chi-Squared in the SPSS-16 . 

  Results: At the baseline, there were no significant differences between the three groups in terms of demographic characteristics and the mean scores of anxiety . After the interventions, the mean score of anxiety was significantly lower in the reflexology and placebo groups than the control group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the reflexology and placebo groups in terms of the mean scores of anxiety (P>0.05). Comparing the mean score of anxiety between the reflexology (14.7±7.2) and placebo (9.4±8.5) groups indicated that the reflexology intervention was more effective in reducing anxiety .

  Conclusion: The use of foot reflexology was effective in reducing anxiety. Nurses should use this non-pharmacologic method to control the symptoms of anxiety among mothers .

Background & Aim: Mother-Child bonding is an emotional aspect of relationship between mother and baby that affects children's psychological development. This study was performed to determine the predictors of mother-child bonding.

Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional study was performed on 270 mothers 8 to 10 weeks postpartum referred to eighteen health centers of Tabriz, 2014-2015. Data were collected using the obstetric and socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The statistical tests including Pearson correlation, Independent t, one-way ANOVA and multivariate linear regression were used for data analysis through SPSS v.21. The significance level was considered as P<0.05.

Results: The mean (SD) of mother-child bonding score was 46.2±8.4, with achievable scores range from 0 to 125. 85.2% of mothers had a mother-child bonding disorder. The most frequent disorder pertained to the dimension of impaired mother-child bonding and the least frequent disorder was anxiety about child care. Variables of depression, state anxiety and unwanted pregnancy were among the predictors of mother-child bonding.

Conclusion: The study shows that anxiety, depression, and unwanted pregnancy are the determinants affecting mother-child bonding. Thus, the screening of mothers for the early identification and treatment of anxiety and depression, and also the reduction of unwanted pregnancy rate using purposeful family planning counseling can improve the mother-child bonding, resulting in improved children's growth and development.

Background & Aim: Increasing understanding of death anxiety among different cultures and patient populations is critical to provide quality patient care. Researchers who investigate death anxiety, are looking for a reliable and valid instrument compatible with culture in order to achieve this goal. The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale-Extended (TDAS-E) among a sample of chemical veterans of Iran–Iraq warfare.

Methods & Materials: In this methodological study, 300 veterans completed the Persian version of the 51-item TDAS-E in 2015. The face, content and construct validity (convergent and discriminant validity) of the TDAS-E were assessed. Also, its reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, construct reliability and intra correlation coefficient.

Results: Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses extracted four stable distinct factors including fear of the hereafter, fear of facing death, fear of the shortness of life, fear of dying following an incident and mishap. The fitness of the four-factor model of the Templer’s death anxiety construct was approved based on standard indices (c²/df=2.832, GFI=.915, AGFI=.873, PCFI=.657, PNFI=.612, RMSEA=.078). Discriminant and convergent validity of all factors were acceptable. Also, scale reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.88), construct reliability (higher than 0.70) and intra correlation coefficient (0.87).

Conclusion: The results of the current study revealed that the four-factor construct of TDAS-E had suitable validity and reliability among Iranian chemical warfare veterans. Given the proper psychometric properties, this scale can be used in future research to evaluate death anxiety in this population.

Background & Aim: Increasing understanding of death anxiety among different cultures and illness populations is critical to provide quality patient care. Researchers who investigate death anxiety, are looking for a reliable and valid instrument compatible with culture in order to achieve this goal. The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale-Extended (TDAS-E) among a sample of chemical veterans of Iran–Iraq warfare.

Methods & Materials: In this methodological study, 300 veterans completed the Persian version of the 51-item TDAS-E in 2015. The face, content and construct validity (convergent and discriminant validity) of the TDAS-E were assessed. Also, its reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, construct reliability and intra correlation coefficient.

Results: Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses extracted four stable distinct factors including fear of the hereafter, fear of facing death, fear of the shortness of life, fear of dying following an incident and mishap. The fitness of the four-factor model of the Templer’s death anxiety construct was approved based on standard indices (c²/df=2.832, GFI=.915, AGFI=.873, PCFI=.657, PNFI=.612, RMSEA=.078). Discriminant and convergent validity of all factors were acceptable. Also, scale reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.88), construct reliability (higher than 0.70) and intra correlation coefficient (0.87).

Conclusion: The results of the current study revealed that the four-factor construct of TDAS-E had suitable validity and reliability among Iranian chemical warfare veterans. Given the proper psychometric properties, this scale can be used in future research to evaluate death anxiety in this population.

Background & Aim: Concerns about death may negatively affect health-related quality of life. However, little is known about the relationship between death anxiety and quality of life in life-threatening illnesses especially in hemodialysis patients. This research aimed to determine the relationship between death anxiety and quality of life in hemodialysis patients.

Methods & Materials: In this descriptive correlational study, 200 hemodialysis patients were selected via stratified random sampling from hospitals affiliated with Zanjan University of Medical Sciences from April to May 2016. Data collection instruments included a demographic questionnaire, the Templer Death Anxiety Scale and the McGill Quality of Life questionnaire. Data analysis was performed by descriptive statistics, correlation test and linear regression model using SPSS v.22.

Results: The average score of death anxiety and quality of life were respectively 46.54±10.85 and 82.55±19.01. There was not a significant relationship between death anxiety and quality of life (P>0.05, r=0.044). In the regression analysis, gender was the only significant predictor for death anxiety. This model explained 11.3% of the variance of death anxiety. Moreover, the results of regression model indicated that social support and religious beliefs were only significant predictors for quality of life in hemodialysis patients, and 17.2% of its variance was explained by this model.

Conclusion: In the current study, no significant relationship was observed between death anxiety and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, it is suggested that further research should be conducted in this area.

Background & Aim: Quality of life indicates the level of individual’s satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the different aspects of life and has specific characteristics at each stage of life. The quality of life in the elderly may be influenced by death anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of depression and death anxiety to the quality of life among the elderly population.

Methods & Materials: This study was a cross-sectional research conducted on 294 elderly living in Saghez in 2016. Samples were selected through convenience sampling. The 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Death Anxiety Scale were used to gather the data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression by Enter method. The level of significance was considered P<0.05.

Results: The mean (and standard deviation) scores for the quality of life, depression and death anxiety among the studied elderly were respectively 33.22±7.81, 4.92±3.82 and 33.63±7.40. There was a significant relationship between depression and the quality of life (P<0.0001) but there was no significant relationship between the quality of life and death anxiety.

Conclusion: Depression is a common problem among the elderly and related to their quality of life. When assessing the quality of life in the elderly, paying attention to their depression is necessary. Appropriate diagnosis and management of depression can improve the quality of life in the elderly.

Background & Aim: Mother’s intense fear of and anxiety about labor pain lead to muscle contractions. Intense muscle contractions especially uterine contractions interfere with the normal process of labor. So, this study aimed to investigate the effect of salvia aroma on reducing the women’s anxiety level during labor.

Methods & Materials: The present study was a two-group randomized clinical trial (IRCT2016042727633N1) conducted in 2015 on 160 pregnant women laboring in Motazedi Hospital in Kermanshah. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. Prior to the intervention, the Spielberger’s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was completed by both groups and the anxiety scores were determined. In the intervention group, immediately after the onset of the active phase of labor, a gauze impregnated with three drops of the salvia essence was attached to the samples’ collars and repeated every half an hour. In the control group, a placebo was administered in a similar way. After the intervention, anxiety was measured at a cervical dilation of 5-7 cm. The chi-square test, Fisher test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were employed to analyze the data.

Results: The mean score for anxiety was similar in the two groups prior to the intervention (P=0.15). However, after the intervention the mean score for anxiety was lower in the aromatherapy group (39.86±10.39) than in the control group (64.25±7.41) (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings suggested that the level of labor anxiety was reduced using aromatherapy with salvia essence. Accordingly, the use of salvia essence aroma is recommended for reducing anxiety labor.