Aromatherapy in Healthcare Professionals in a Pandemic Context: Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36489/saudecoletiva.2025v16i103p18742-18761Keywords:
Personal de Salud, Occupational stress, Aromatherapy, PandemicsAbstract
Objective: To identify the effectiveness of aromatherapy among healthcare professionals during the pandemic. Method: Systematic review following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines, with a protocol registered in Prospero. PUBMED, EMBASE, COCHRANE and LILACS were searched up to December 2024 using the descriptors “Aromatherapy,” “Health Personnel,” and “COVID-19.” Randomized clinical trials evaluating sleep quality, quality of life, and anxiety using validated instruments were included. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (RoB 2.0). Meta-analysis used random-effects models. Results: A total of 216 references were identified; after screening, three studies (221 professionals) were included. No significant improvement was found in sleep quality (RR: –1.28; 95% CI: –4.98 to 2.43; I2=51%) or anxiety (RR: –1.24; 95% CI: –11.31 to 8.82; I2=94%). Evidence quality was very low. Conclusion: No moderate or high-quality evidence wasfound to support benefits of aromatherapy; robust RCTs are recommended.
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