The Effect of Mindfulness-based Counseling and Aromatherapy on Sexual Function and Anxiety in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Factorial Design

Abstract

The effect of mindfulness-based counseling and aromatherapy on sexual function and anxiety in postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial with factorial design Abstract: Introduction: Considering the increasing age of the Iranian population and movement toward aging, the study of sexual function and anxiety in postmenopausal women in order to improve the quality of life of them is important. Some of studies indicate the beneficial effects of aromatherapy with bergamot and lavender as well as mindfulness counseling on sexual function, anxiety and depression. Objective: To evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) counseling, aromatherapy, and MBI-aromatherapy on sexual function and anxiety in postmenopausal women Methods: This study is a randomized controlled trial with factorial design. The study sample consisted of 132 postmenopausal women who were covered by selected health care centers. Eligible women divided randomly into four groups of MBI, aromatherapy, MBI-.aromatherapy, and control using 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. Data collection tools were study criteria checklist, demographic characteristics questionnaire, sexual function questionnaire (FSFI), Beck Depression and Anxiety Questionnaire. Interventions were performed in three groups of mindfulness, aromatherapy and combination. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. To compare the scores between the four groups in the pre-intervention stage, one-way analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc test and after the intervention and 8 weeks after the intervention, repeated measure test was used adjusted for baseline values and confounding factors. Results: The total score of sexual function among the MBI group in the eighth week (p=0.030) and in the week 16 (p=0.039), also among the MBI-aromatherapy group in the eighth week (p=0.003) and in the week 16 (p=0.007) was significantly inreased compared to baseline. A significant improvement was observed between the MBI and control group in the eighth week (P=0.030) and week 16 (p=0.024), also between MBI-aromatherapy group and control in the eighth week (p=0.047). Anxiety score in three measurements within the control and also MBI group was not statistically significant. But within the aromatherapy group (p=0.003) and the MBI-aromatherapy group (p<0.001), a significant improvement was observed. The results of repeated measures test showed the anxiety score in the aromatherapy groups in week 8 (p=0.021) and week 16 (p=0.049) and in the MBI-aromatherapy group in the eighth week (p= 0.042) and the week 16 (p=0.021) significantly decreased compared to the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the scores of depression in the three measurements in the control and MBI group. But in the aromatherapy (p= 0.001) and MBI-aromatherapy group (p=0.043), a significant reduction was observed. The depression score in the aromatherapy compared to the control group statistically decreased at week 8 (p=0.011). Conclusion: The results of the study showed that MBI improved overall sexual function and dimensions of desire, arousal, lubrication and pain; aromatherapy improved anxiety and depression scores; and applying both methods improved the desire, arousal, lubrication, d total score of sexual function as well as anxiety scores.