Lavender and bergamot aromatherapy to ease anxiety before colonoscopy
The Effect of Lavender and Bergamot Aromatherapy Before Colonoscopy on Anxiety, Vital Signs, and Feelings of Embarrassment"
This tests whether inhaling lavender or bergamot essential oils before a colonoscopy can reduce anxiety, affect vital signs, and lower feelings of embarrassment in adult patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 102 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Eastern Mediterranean University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Famagusta) |
| Trial ID | NCT07067424 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults scheduled for colonoscopy are offered inhalation of lavender, bergamot, or a placebo prior to the procedure, with measurements taken of self-reported anxiety, vital signs, and feelings of embarrassment. The trial compares the three interventions to see if aromatherapy produces measurable changes in these outcomes. Lavender and bergamot have shown calming effects in other procedure-related settings, but their combined use specifically before colonoscopy has not been previously tested. Results are intended to inform simple, evidence-based nursing approaches to reduce pre-procedure distress.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 or older who are scheduled for a colonoscopy and can read and understand study instructions, and who have no allergy to the essential oils, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to lavender or bergamot, those requiring pharmacologic anxiolytics or sedation for severe anxiety, or patients unable to attend the study site are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, this low-cost, non-drug approach could reduce pre-colonoscopy anxiety and embarrassment and support simpler nursing interventions to improve patient comfort.
How similar studies have performed: Previous aromatherapy studies using lavender or bergamot in surgical, childbirth, urodynamic, and some endoscopic contexts have reported anxiety reductions, but the combined lavender-plus-bergamot approach before colonoscopy is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients over 18 years of age * Patients undergoing a colonoscopy * Patients capable of reading and understanding the study instructions Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who refused to participate in the study * Patients who reported an allergy to any of the lavender or bergamot extracts used in the study
Where this trial is running
Famagusta
- Famagusta State Hospital — Famagusta, Cyprus (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Eray Yucedag, MSc Student — Eastern Mediterranean University
- Study coordinator: Eray Yucedag, MSc student
- Email: eray_ycedag@icloud.com
- Phone: 05428884948
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.