Abstract
A systematic review aimed to examine the psychological and physiological effects of aromatherapy foot baths during the postpartum period. A database search (Ichu-shi, CiNii, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO) was conducted for relevant publications in English and Japanese. Two individual reviewers screened the results: first through the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and second through a risk of bias assessment tool. Six articles were included in this review. Three articles showed that“ fatigue” scores of the Profile of Mood States-Brief Form (POMS-BF) or original questionnaires significantly decreased in the aromatherapy foot bath group compared with the group that did not undergo aromatherapy. Compared with the usual care group, the mean “tension-anxiety” and “fatigue” scores of the POMS-BF significantly decreased, the mean “vigor-activity” score of the POMS-BF and mean “approach feelings toward babies” score of the Affection for Babies Scale significantly increased, and the mean “physiological stress response” score of the stress response checklist was lower in the aromatherapy foot bath group. Hence, aromatherapy foot baths used during the postpartum period have the potential to reduce fatigue and negative mood and to promote positive mood. However, further research is required to clarify the effectiveness of this postpartum therapy.
