"Like one part of a puzzle" - individualized aromatherapy for women with gynecological cancers in aftercare: results from a qualitative-focused mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gynecological cancer(s), including breast cancer patients in aftercare and survivors, need supportive strategies to cope with symptoms that are adapted to their individual needs and circumstances. Aromatherapy has potential to be such strategy, but (qualitative) empirical research taking users' own views into consideration about the potential and challenge of aromatherapy is lacking.

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to gain insights from individualized aromatherapy as a supportive care treatment, regarding their use and evaluation by women with gynecological cancers in aftercare.

Methods

We conducted a study with a mixed-methods design, focused on qualitative research. Five essential oil products were given to 18 participants to apply individually over a

SUBMITTER: Czakert J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9789001 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature