Effects of Hand Massage with Aroma Oil on Stress Responses and Serum Immunity of Registered Nurse during the Night Duty

아로마 손 마사지가 밤 근무 간호사의 스트레스 반응 및 IgA에 미치는 효과

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of aromatherapy hand massage on stress responses and serum Immunity of RN's before the night duty. Method: The data were collected during the period from Oct. 10 to Nov. 15, 2005 at S-Hospital in Seoul. There were forty-eight subjects, 24 for the experimental and 24 for the control group. A Pre & post test were conducted to measure pulse rate, perceived stress(level and score) and a blood sample for cortisol and IgA. In the experimental group, lavender and geranium were used. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, $x^2$-test and t-test with SPSS program. Result: The pulse rate was reduced but there were no significant differences between the two groups. Scores of subjective stress(VAS) decreased significantly after aromatherapy hand massage and the level of serum Cortisol was reduced significantly. The level of serum IgA was elevated significantly. Conclusion: Aromatherapy hand massage could be a useful intervention to reduce stress and elevate the immunity of nurses during the night duty.