From Stress to Serenity: The Effect of Scented Candle Combination of Agarwood and Santalum Album on Cortisol Hormone Levels in Pregnant Women

Anis Nikmatul Nikmah; Meirna Eka Fitriasnani; Nur Fahma Laili; Eka Diana Putri; Tan Cenly Tian Frissilia

doi:10.30994/jnp.v10i1.1200

Authors

Anis Nikmatul Nikmah Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Kadiri, Kediri, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7569-6025
Meirna Eka Fitriasnani Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Kadiri, Kediri, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3453-9998
Nur Fahma Laili Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Kadiri, Kediri, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2590-9858
Eka Diana Putri Pharmacy Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Kadiri, Kediri, Indonesia
Tan Cenly Tian Frissilia Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Kadiri, Kediri, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30994/jnp.v10i1.1200

Keywords:

Agarwood, Cortisol Hormone, Pregnant Women, Santalum album, Scented Candle

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy involves physiological and psychological changes that may increase stress and cortisol levels. Aromatherapy using agarwood and Santalum album scented candles may offer a complementary approach to relaxation.
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined agarwood and Santalum album scented candles on cortisol levels in pregnant women.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest control group design involving 32 pregnant women selected through purposive sampling, with sample size determined using Federer’s formula. Participants were divided into an intervention group (n = 16) and a control group (n = 16). Inclusion criteria were pregnant women aged 20 to 35 years in the second or third trimester, with singleton pregnancies, mild to moderate stress, no pregnancy complications or olfactory disorders, and willingness to participate. Women with fragrance allergies, respiratory disorders, pregnancy complications, or medication use that could affect cortisol levels were excluded. The intervention group received scented candle aromatherapy for 15 to 30 minutes per session, twice daily for a week, while the control group received no intervention. Cortisol levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney tests.
Results: Mean cortisol levels in the intervention group decreased from 330.07 ± 35.17 to 257.27 ± 45.30 ng/mL (p = 0.001). In the control group, levels increased from 303.66 ± 50.48 to 311.49 ± 58.39 ng/mL (p = 0.196). The between-group comparison showed a significant difference (p = 0.005).
Conclusion: Combined agarwood and Santalum album scented candle aromatherapy was associated with reduced cortisol levels in pregnant women.

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