THE EFFECT OF PROGRESSIVE MUSCLE RELAXATION TECHNIQUE AND AROMATHERAPY WITH DAMASK ROSE ON ANXIETY, STRESS, AND DEPRESSION IN GENERAL SURGERY CANDIDATES

Background& Aims: One of the most common problems in patients before surgery is psychological disorders such as anxiety, stress, and depression. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of progressive muscle relaxation and aromatherapy with Damask Rose on anxiety, stress, and depression in general surgery candidates. Materials & Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 90 patients undergoing general surgery referred to Ayatollah Kashani Hospital in Shahrekord were randomly divided into three groups of relaxation (30), aromatherapy (30), and control (30). Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, DASS scale of anxiety, anxiety and stress, a 21-item DASS questionnaire, and vital signs record form. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Results: Results showed that there was no significant difference in mean scores of anxiety, stress, and depression before intervention between the three groups (p> 0.05). But after intervention this difference was significant (p <0.05). Intergroup comparisons also showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of the variables studied and the two methods were not superior to each other. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be suggested that using muscle relaxation and aromatherapy can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression in patients undergoing general surgery.