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AnxietyNCT07067424

Effect of Aromatherapy on Anxiety in Colonoscopy Patients

A study testing Lavender Aromatherapy and Bergamot Aromatherapy in people with Anxiety and Colonoscopy, run by Eastern Mediterranean University at 1 site in Cyprus.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of aromatherapy with lavender and bergamot essential oils on anxiety, vital signs, and feelings of embarrassment before colonoscopy. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Anxiety, Colonoscopy, Aromatherapy
What is being tested?
Lavender Aromatherapy and Bergamot Aromatherapy
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
102 participants
Where
1 siteCyprus
Study dates
1 Jan 2025to 30 Nov 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Patients over 18 years of age
  • Patients undergoing a colonoscopy
  • Patients capable of reading and understanding the study instructions

Who cannot join

  • 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

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Eray Yucedag, MSc student contact

05428884948

eray_ycedag@icloud.com

Sevinc Tastan, Prof. contact

05488785465

sevinc.tastan@emu.edu.tr

Cyprus1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Famagusta State Hospital

    Famagusta, 99450

    Cemal Cevheroglu, Dr., 05488867788, info.gmdh@gov.ct.tr

    Şerife Ünal, RN, 05338585829, info.gmdh@gov.ct.tr

    Recruiting

Other trials in Cyprus

About this study

Official title: The Effect of Lavender and Bergamot Aromatherapy Before Colonoscopy on Anxiety, Vital Signs, and Feelings of Embarrassment"

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of aromatherapy with lavender and bergamot essential oils on anxiety, vital signs, and feelings of embarrassment before colonoscopy. The findings of this study are expected to contribute both to filling a gap in the literature and to the planning of evidence-based nursing interventions aimed at minimizing pre-colonoscopy anxiety and embarrassment in patients.

Read the detailed description

In addition to being a painful and uncomfortable procedure, colonoscopy can cause anxiety and fear in patients due to procedure-related concerns, fear of a cancer diagnosis, and feelings of embarrassment resulting from perceived violations of privacy during the procedure. To alleviate patients' anxiety, fear, or embarrassment before colonoscopy, various non-pharmacological approaches, such as aromatherapy, are utilized. Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy, is defined as "the art and science of using naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize, and promote the health of the body, mind, and spirit". Lavender and bergamot essential oils have been reported to have positive effects on anxiety in patients undergoing certain medical procedures, such as surgeries, childbirth, urodynamic testing, and endoscopic interventions. However, no study has yet evaluated the combined effects of aromatherapy with lavender and bergamot oils on anxiety, vital signs, and feelings of embarrassment in patients undergoing colonoscopy. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of aromatherapy with lavender and bergamot essential oils on anxiety, vital signs, and feelings of embarrassment before colonoscopy. The findings of this study are expected to contribute both to filling a gap in the literature and to the planning of evidence-based nursing interventions aimed at minimizing pre-colonoscopy anxiety and embarrassment in patients.

Being tested
Lavender Aromatherapy, Bergamot Aromatherapy, Placebo Inhalation
Keywords
Lavender, Bergamot, Anxiety, Colonoscopy, Embarrassment
Medical subject headings
Anxiety Disorders

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Lavender AromatherapyOther

    Participants will inhale lavender essential oil via cotton pads placed near the nose for 20 minutes prior to colonoscopy. The application will take place in a pre-procedure waiting area under nurse supervision.

  • Bergamot AromatherapyOther

    Participants will inhale bergamot essential oil through cotton pads placed near the nose for 20 minutes before the colonoscopy procedure, under the supervision of clinical staff.

  • Placebo InhalationOther

    Participants will inhale an odorless substance (distilled water) using the same method and duration as the intervention groups, to simulate the aromatherapy procedure.

Study groups in NCT07067424
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Lavender AromatherapyExperimentalInhalation of lavender essential oil for 20 minutes prior to colonoscopy.
Receives: Other: Lavender Aromatherapy
Bergamot AromatherapyExperimentalInhalation of bergamot essential oil for 20 minutes prior to colonoscopy.
Receives: Other: Bergamot Aromatherapy
Control GroupPlacebo comparatorParticipants in this group will inhale an odorless substance (distilled water ) to mimic the aromatherapy procedure without active ingredients.
Receives: Other: Placebo Inhalation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in anxiety level measured by the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State)

    Anxiety will be assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State), which consists of 20 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale. The total score ranges from 20 to 80, with higher scores indicating greater anxiety. The scale has been validated in Turkish with a Cronbach's alpha between 0.94 and 0.96.

    Measured: Immediately before and 30 minutes after the intervention

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Change in embarrassment level measured by the Colonoscopy Embarrassment Scale

    Embarrassment related to colonoscopy will be measured using the 15-item Colonoscopy Embarrassment Scale, with scores ranging from 15 to 60. Higher scores indicate greater embarrassment. The Turkish version has a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94.

    Measured: Immediately after the colonoscopy procedure

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Jul 2025
  2. Study start1 Jan 2025
  3. Primary completion31 Oct 2025 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Nov 2025 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
102 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07067424
Sponsor's protocol ID
EY-Aroma2025-01
Status last verified
Jul 2025
First submitted
14 Jul 2025
Last updated
16 Jul 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Yue QQ, Feng GH, Peng T, Tang T, Sun YX, Meng XR, Huang LL, Zhao KH, Huang HL, Zeng Y. What is the current state of anxiety and its related factors in Chinese patients undergoing colonoscopy? A cross-sectional study. BMC Psychol. 2025 Feb 27;13(1):169. doi: 10.1186/s40359-025-02463-z.

    PubMed 40016795
  • Peng W, McKinnon-Crowley J, Huang Q, Mao B. Assessing Fear, Embarrassment, and Disgust in Colonoscopy: The Development of Measurement Instruments and Psychometric Evidence. Health Educ Behav. 2024 Aug;51(4):601-612. doi: 10.1177/10901981231177075. Epub 2023 Jun 9.

    PubMed 37293778
  • Mutlu S, Yilmaz E, Sahin ST. The effect of position change and abdominal massage on anxiety, pain and distension after colonoscopy: A randomized clinical trial. Explore (NY). 2024 Jan-Feb;20(1):89-94. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.06.007. Epub 2023 Jun 20.

    PubMed 37391282
  • Dogan Yilmaz E, Unlusoy Dincer N. The Effects of Virtual Reality Glasses on Vital Signs and Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2023 Jul-Aug 01;46(4):318-328. doi: 10.1097/SGA.0000000000000733. Epub 2023 Jun 5.

    PubMed 37278621
  • Honig AJ, Galassi MG, Ogungbe OO, Uranga T, Cuevas DK. Implementation of Aromatherapy, a Nonpharmacological Intervention, to Reduce Anxiety During the Preoperative Period. J Perianesth Nurs. 2023 Apr;38(2):206-212. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2022.06.011. Epub 2023 Feb 1.

    PubMed 36732122
  • Kettas Dolek E, Altun Ugras G. The effect of aromatherapy during urodynamic testing on patients anxiety and cortisol levels: A randomized controlled trial. Neurourol Urodyn. 2024 Sep;43(7):1591-1599. doi: 10.1002/nau.25491. Epub 2024 May 15.

    PubMed 38747020
  • Ni CH, Hou WH, Kao CC, Chang ML, Yu LF, Wu CC, Chen C. The anxiolytic effect of aromatherapy on patients awaiting ambulatory surgery: a randomized controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:927419. doi: 10.1155/2013/927419. Epub 2013 Dec 17.

    PubMed 24454517
  • Keser E, Baglama SS, Sezer C. The Effect of Reiki and Aromatherapy on Vital Signs, Oxygen Saturation, and Anxiety Level in Patients Undergoing Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Study. Holist Nurs Pract. 2023 Nov-Dec 01;37(6):337-346. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000611.

    PubMed 37851350
  • Pasyar N, Rambod M, Araghi F. The effect of bergamot orange essence on anxiety, salivary cortisol, and alpha amylase in patients prior to laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A controlled trial study. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020 May;39:101153. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101153. Epub 2020 Mar 21.

    PubMed 32379683
  • Hedigan F, Sheridan H, Sasse A. Benefit of inhalation aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for stress and anxiety in a clinical setting - A systematic review. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2023 Aug;52:101750. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101750. Epub 2023 Apr 5.

    PubMed 37031643
  • Sayilan S, Sayilan AA, Mert S, Oztekin SD, Baydemir C. The Effect of Precolonoscopy Lavender Inhalation on Patient Anxiety and Comfort: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blinded, Single-Center Study. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2023 Sep-Oct 01;46(5):376-385. doi: 10.1097/SGA.0000000000000754. Epub 2023 Jun 8.

    PubMed 37289849
  • Vora LK, Gholap AD, Hatvate NT, Naren P, Khan S, Chavda VP, Balar PC, Gandhi J, Khatri DK. Essential oils for clinical aromatherapy: A comprehensive review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Aug 10;330:118180. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118180. Epub 2024 Apr 16.

    PubMed 38614262
  • Shirzad M, Nasiri E, Hesamirostami M, Akbari H. The Effect of Lavender on Anxiety and Hemodynamic Status Before Septorhinoplasy and Rhinoplasty. J Perianesth Nurs. 2023 Feb;38(1):45-50. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2022.05.067. Epub 2022 Aug 18.

    PubMed 35987997

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Lavender Aromatherapy and Bergamot Aromatherapy in people with Anxiety and Colonoscopy, run by Eastern Mediterranean University at 1 site in Cyprus.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Cyprus. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Eray Yucedag, MSc student (05428884948, eray_ycedag@icloud.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in anxiety level measured by the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State) (time frame: Immediately before and 30 minutes after the intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07067424, which also lists 13 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Jul 2025.

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