The state anxiety score for each group was measured twice
(on arrival at hospital and in the infusion room; Fig. 2). The
scores were analysed using ANOVA after determining that
the data were normally distributed; there were significant
differences in two-factor interactions between the groups
(p = 0.043). The interaction effect size (partial2) was 0.034
(medium). The test of simple main effects presented in
Table 2 revealed the differences between groups and within
subjects. There was no difference in the state anxiety score
between the two groups on arrival. The score of participants
in the aromatherapy group decreased significantly after the
intervention. In contrast, the state anxiety score for the
control group did not change significantly between the two
measurements. There were no complaints of any adverse
effects in the aromatherapy group.
The mean score of the aroma’s pleasantness with the
VAS was 73.23 (of 100). Most participants in the aromatherapy
group responded to the open question: 40 participants
answered positively and 12 negatively; however, eight did
not respond. Positive comments included the following: ‘‘I
appreciate having been in a relaxing environment’’ and ‘‘My
child felt relaxed in that room. I may use aromatherapy at
home.’’ Negative comments included the following: ‘‘The
smell is too strong’’ and ‘‘Perhaps you should change the
smell to appeal to user preferences.’’