Effect of Aromatherapy on Reducing Exam Anxiety in Pharmacy Students: A Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy as a low-cost, non-invasive intervention for reducing exam anxiety in college students and improving their academic performance. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted among 270 pharmacy from different years, who were divided into three distinct groups. Exam assessed using Sarason questionnaire at baseline after 15 minutes aromatherapy. Results: There no significant difference severity (P = 0.07). However, following orange aromatherapy, there decrease baseline-exam score (mean 1.32, P < 0.001), while lavender did not show effect 0.27). Aromatherapy had impact on performance, specifically bio-pharmacy exam. Conclusions: Our provides evidence that may have an anxiety. Orange essential oil without adverse reactions associated with pharmacological therapies, found be effective strategy enhancing performance students. The implications these findings suggestions future research are discussed.