*Corresponding Author: Ms. Pratibha Atmaram Pawar, Department of Nursing, Krishna Institute of Nursing Sciences, Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Karad - 415539, Dist: Satara, Maharashtra State, India. Mobile: 8080788930, Email: pratibhapawar8052@gmail.com
Background: Depression is a major public health concern among older adults and is associated with reduced quality of life, functional decline, increased morbidity, and higher mortality. Elderly individuals residing in old age homes are at heightened risk due to social isolation, separation from family, loss of autonomy, and the burden of chronic illnesses. Although pharmacological therapies remain the cornerstone of depression management, their use in geriatric populations is often limited by adverse drug reactions, polypharmacy, and poor compliance. Consequently, there is growing interest in complementary and alternative therapies such as aromatherapy, which are non-invasive, cost-effective, and associated with minimal side effects.
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of aromatherapy using neroli oil on depression among senior citizens residing in selected old age homes.
Objectives: 1. To assess the level of depression among senior citizens before the administration of aromatherapy. 2. To determine the effectiveness of aromatherapy on depression among senior citizens. 3. To compare pre-test and post-test depression scores following aromatherapy intervention.
Materials and Methods: A quantitative evaluative research approach with a pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted. Sixty senior citizens aged 60 years and above residing in selected old age homes of Satara district were selected using convenience sampling. Depression levels were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Aromatherapy using neroli oil was administered once daily for 15 consecutive days. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired t-test.
Results: The mean post-test depression score was significantly lower than the mean pre-test score. Paired t-test analysis demonstrated a highly significant reduction in depression levels following aromatherapy (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that aromatherapy using neroli oil is an effective complementary intervention for reducing depression among senior citizens residing in old age homes. Incorporating aromatherapy into routine geriatric nursing care may enhance emotional well-being and quality of life among the elderly.
Keywords: Aromatherapy, Depression, Elderly, Old Age Homes, Neroli Oil.
How to cite this article: Pawar PA, Pawar SH, Bhosale S. Impact of aromatherapy on depression among senior citizens residing in selected old age homes. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(7s): 221-232; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.7s.25
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None