Application of Foot Massage with Lavender Essential Oil on Elderly Hypertension
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32883/rnj.v9i2.3345Abstract
Background: Hypertension is a common health problem and one of the leading causes of premature death worldwide. It is characterized by persistently elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure and may lead to various serious complications. The increasing prevalence of hypertension is closely associated with population growth and aging. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to hypertension and its complications. Therefore, complementary non-pharmacological interventions are needed to help control blood pressure and improve the quality of life of older adults. Methods: This study employed a quantitative experimental design using a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The study population consisted of older adults with hypertension residing at the Embun Kehidupan Bangsa Nursing Home. A total of 20 participants were selected using a total sampling technique. Blood pressure was measured before and after the intervention. The intervention consisted of foot massage using lavender essential oil. Data were analyzed using the paired t-test to determine differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after the intervention. Results: The mean systolic blood pressure before the intervention was 175 mmHg, while the mean diastolic blood pressure was 90 mmHg. Following foot massage with lavender essential oil, the mean systolic blood pressure decreased to 144.80 mmHg, and the mean diastolic blood pressure decreased to 73.80 mmHg. The paired t-test showed a statistically significant difference in blood pressure before and after the intervention, with a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Foot massage using lavender essential oil significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure among older adults with hypertension at the Embun Kehidupan Bangsa Nursing Home. This intervention may be considered a complementary non-pharmacological therapy for supporting blood pressure control in older adults with hypertension.
