The Effect of Combination of Citronella Oil and Back Massage on Sleep Quality and Stress Levels in Postpartum Mothers

Authors

  • Heyrani Heyrani
  • Melania Asi
  • Elyasari Elyasari
  • Maya Astuti
  • Arsulfa Arsulfa
  • Hesty Resyana

Keywords:

Citronella Oil, Back Massage, Sleep Quality, Stress Level, Postpartum Mother

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of combining citronella oil with back massage on sleep quality and stress levels in postpartum mothers.

METHODOLOGY: This study employed a quantitative, quasi-experimental design with two groups, utilizing pre- and post-tests. This study was conducted from August 2024 to April 2025 in the Wawolesea, Lembo, and Saka sub-districts of the North Konawe Regency. A total of 196 samples were collected using purposive sampling. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measure sleep quality, and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 was used to measure stress levels. The data were analysed using both univariate and bivariate methods.

RESULTS: The intervention group experienced 79 cases of negative sleep quality, with a p-value of 0.000, indicating that the intervention significantly improved sleep quality. In contrast, the control group showed seven positive cases with a p-value of 0.157, which was not statistically significant. For stress levels, the intervention group reported 86 negative cases, with a p-value of 0.003, indicating significant effectiveness, whereas the control group reported a p-value of 0.076. The intervention group had a mean sleep quality score of 24.50 compared to 36.50 in the control group (p < 0.001), as well as a stress level score of 25.47 versus 35.53 (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION: The combination of citronella oil and back massage not only improves sleep quality but also significantly reduces stress levels in postpartum mothers.

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Published

30-09-2025

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1.
Heyrani H, Melania Asi, Elyasari E, Maya Astuti, Arsulfa A, Hesty Resyana. The Effect of Combination of Citronella Oil and Back Massage on Sleep Quality and Stress Levels in Postpartum Mothers. J Liaq Uni Med Health Sci [Internet]. 2025 Sep. 30 [cited 2025 Oct. 13];24(03):223-9. Available from: http://121.52.154.205/index.php/jlumhs/article/view/1691

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Vol. 24 No. 03 (2025): Journal of Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences

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Original Articles

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