Chapter I

I. INTRODUCTION

As a child, I was drawn to the wonderful smell around me and some of my memories are those smells my mother had planted in her garden. I never forget the first time I smell the fragrance of sampaguita that I used to collect in a jar and combine it with water as a belief of a young child that it will turn to perfume. I remember the safe carefree of that moment, years of memories floated effortlessly back into consciousness , the power of scent..That the scent that I had smelled years ago will come to be beneficial in many ways in the future and can be turned to alternative medicines that can cure different types of diseases now a days .one of this is depression.

Depression is a mental health common in late life. Although, some people have mistaken that it is normal among elderly. In contrast, older people feel satisfied with their lives. In institutionalized elderly, depression affects quality of life, mortality and health care cost.

Mood swings are a normal part of life, and temporary states of depression are normal, but ongoing depression is a complex problem that limits the quality of life for more than thirty millions Americans. Depression steadily increasing in north America since the beginning of the twentieth century. It affects general health by suppressing the immune system and can lead to insomnia and other seemingly unrelated problems by causing changes in the brain chemistry. However aroma therapy can play a role in conjuction with other types of therapy. In fact many professional therapist are beginning to incorporate aroma therapy into their practices.

Aroma therapy is a form of alternative medicine, in which healing effects are ascribed is the aromatic compounds in essential oils and other plant extracts. Many common essentials oils have medicinal properties that have been applied in folk medicines since ancient times and are still widely used today. For example, may essential oils have antiseptic properties. many are also claimed to have an uplifting effect on the mind.

Studies have found that orange and other citrus scents reduce stress and depression. Both orange and neroli measurably lowered both stress and blood pressure. A blend of neroli valerian, and nutmeg was so effective in helping release tension that the company patented it. in a recent study with aroma therapy massage. A blend of lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus , rosemary, and peppermint given to forty people with arthritis not only decreased their pain but also their depression. According to biochemist George H. Dodd PhD, the effect of fragrance on the brain is similar to that of some antidepressant drugs. The scent of orange and probably other citruses alters brain chemistry to lower blood pressure and counters mood changes such as depression and anxiety, even smelling an orange as you peel it helps a minute amounts of essential oils are propelled into the air to cheer you up.

Nowadays, the use of the aroma therapy is widely accepted for its benefit in promoting health. It is alternative treatment and effective in dealing various conditions such as depression, stress related diseases. Aromatherapy is very beneficial for reducing depression and depression related problems like digestive disorders and other mental diseases.

As people age, many changes happen which can affect their quality of life. As the aging process influences changes in one’s physical, social, emotional, and mental aspect. He/she may not be able to do away with the end feeling of sadness and helplessness. Sadness and helplessness comes with depression.

The researcher personally suggests this study as a concern for the issues experienced by the elderly during retirement. Most of their grandparents are already widowed and experienced sadness and loneliness at times and they saw this research as an opportunity to help not only their loved ones but also elderly having the same experience.

Therapy

The smell of violets hidden in the green pour’d back into my empty soul and frame the times when I remember to have been joyful and free from blame

Alfred, lord tenhyson

II. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Generally, this study aims to determine the relationship of using aroma therapy in reducing level of depression among elderly residents of Brgy. Balingasa Quezon City.

Specifically, the study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. as to respondents profile -age-gender-lifestyle-religion

2. relationship or effects of variables

-emotional

- mental

-health

III. OBJECTIVES

The general objectives of this study is to determine the relationship of using aroma therapy in reducing the level of depression among elderly residents of Brgy, Balingasa Quezon City

IV. HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

Level of depression among elderly residents of Brgy. Balingasa in Quezon City can be determined through the Geriatric Depression Scale.

There is a significant relationship of using aroma therapy in reducing the level of depression among elderly residents of Brgy. Balingasa in Quezon City.

V. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

Sister C. Roy Adaptive Model- according to her the person is adaptive system. Systems include 1) three classes of stimuli (focal, contextual, and residual) that arise within the person and the external environment and 2) Adaption level. Adaption level is fluid, is compromised of all three classes of stimuli in which responses will be adaptive.

Inputs mediated by the control process subsystem of cognator and regulator coping mechanism. The regulator system is an automatic neuroendocrine response, whereas the cognator system represents perception, information processing, and judgments influenced by learning and emotions. Coping activity may or may not be adequate to maintain integrity. A system difficulty presents when coping activity is inadequate as a result of need excess or deficit.

The system effectors are the adaptive modes. These modes are the form in which regulatory and cognator subsystem manifest their activity.

The adaptive system output is a response that may be adaptive or ineffective, adaptive responses are those that contribute to adaptation goals. Adaptation is on going purposive response. Adaptive responses contribute to health, the process of being and becoming integrated: ineffective responses do not.

In relation by using nursing process, the nurse promotes adaptive response (aromatherapy) is in the adaptive modes during depression. Thus energy is feed from inadequate coping to promote health that affects the physical, mental, social, and emotional well- being.

Florence Nightingale, often considered the first nurse theorist, defined nursing over 100 years ago as "the act of utilizing the environment of the patient to assist him in his recovery". She linked health with five environmental factors:

A. pure or fresh air B. pure water

C. efficient drainage

D. cleanliness

E. light, especially direct sunlight

Nightingale's environmental factors attain significance when one considers that sanitation conditions in hospitals of the mid-1800s were extremely poor and that women working in the hospitals were often unreliable, uneducated, and incompetent to care for the ill.

In addition to those factors, Nightingale also stressed the importance of keeping the client warm, maintaining a noise-free environment, and attending to the client's diet in terms of assessing intake, timeliness of the food, and its effect on the person.

Nightingale set the stage for further work in the development of nursing theories. Her general concepts about ventilation, cleanliness, quiet, warmth, and diet remain integral parts of nursing and health care today.

VI. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Research paradigm

Input

Respondents profile: -age-gender

Process

Geriatric depression scale Questionnaires interview

Output

Reduced level of depression as to:-emotional-mental-psychological

VII. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study conducted shall serve the following purpose:

Respondents- to the elderly citizens for them to overcome depression when they use aroma therapy

Community-the result could help benefit the community by reducing the level of depression among elderly

Researchers-the outcome of the study is important to them because this will give inspiration or basis when they will make similar topic in the future

VIII. SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

This study will focus on elderly residents of Brgy. Balingasa in Quezon City in the relationship of using aroma therapy in the reduction of depression among elderly patients. This study will be conducted this October school year 2010.

IX. DEFINITION OF TERMS

The following term were used in the study and defined for better understanding.

Aroma therapy- this refers to the therapeutic use of odorous substances obtained from flowers, plants, and aromatic shrubs.

Depression- this refers to the state in which a person feels sad, distressed, and hopeless, with little to no energy for formal activities.

Elderly- this refers to any person 60 yrs of age or older or any person otherwise described as elderly or older for the purpose of eligibility for assistance or services under specific federal or state laws and programs.

Geriatric depression scale- this is originated in 1983 as a scale to measure depressive symptoms in an elderly population.

Lifestyle- a manner of living that reflects the person’s values and attitudes.

Mental- involving the mind or an intellectual process ``mental images of happy times’’ ``mental calculations’’ ``in a terrible mental state’’ ``mental suffering’’ `` free from mental defects’’

Environment- the circumstances or conditions that surround one: surroundings

Chapter II

This chapter presents the foreign and local literature and studies, about the topic. This will provide vital information, usually obtained from researches on published articles in the internet and newspaper clippings. The date are of significant to the topic.

Local literature

According to Katrina A. Holigore of Philippine star, What you smell can affect how you feel

Let’s face it, our nose can be our biggest critic. Before we even taste something, we already decide if we like it or not before putting it in our mouth based on how it smells. Your crush could look like he stepped right out of a Calvin Klein campaign but a single whiff of body odor or halitosis and his sex appeal is good to be flushed (and hopefully him) down the toilet.

Odors and fragrances have more impact on us than we know because they are like invisible bullets that can hit us from anywhere; and more importantly, have a lasting effect. The science of aromatherapy has been around for roughly 6,000 years, with ancient civilizations using the therapeutic properties of flowers, herbs and aromatic plants to improve one’s mental and physical condition. Power woman Cleopatra was rumored to have used sandalwood and jasmine to perfume herself and even her ships’ sails as she set off to visit (or conquer) foreign lands. Can you imagine the wind catching on those wide expanses of cloth and carrying the fragrance across miles, arriving at her destination before she did? That would make quite an entrance. No wonder Julius Caesar and Marc Antony fell hard. If you’re a spaholic, you are now familiar with oil burners and the smell of lavender, lemongrass or peppermint which permeate the walls of your favorite go-to haven.

Doing a little research, I’ve read that certain essential oils emit an electric frequency that can react either positively or negatively with the frequency of the human body.

One of the biggest factors that we all have to deal with is stress.The use of oils and essences either by inhalation or by infusion into the skin leads to a reduction of stress and tension, a feeling of well-being, balance and calmness and an added bonus of anti-bacterial effects to help the body heal. It would

also be advisable to take into consideration the purity of the essential oils; if a bottle doesn’t list its ingredients, just the fragrance, then chances are pretty high that what you’re smelling is far from natural and will have little to no frequency, or better said, beneficial impact. This is important as there have been findings that fragrance has an effect on brain waves.

SOUL TRAIN By Katrina A. Holigores (The Philippine Star) Updated July 02, 2010 12:00 AM

By Ma. Glaiza Lee of Manila bulletin, H2O power

Water is one of the most essential elements to human survival. It is an answer to people’s quest for life of health, wellness, and energy. In ancient Rome and Japan, it has been used for therapies to heal the sick and as treatments for diseases and injuries. Greeks took therapeutic baths, while ancient Chinese used it for their healing systems.

Through the ages, people searched for an elusive elixir to eternal youth and vitality. But what they don’t know is that it can be found in the Earth’s simple and abundant natural element, water.

A Chinese word that means spring water, Quan draws in the restorative properties of water into their treatments. Its basic philosophy revolves around the idea that water is at the core of the ultimate health-enhancing experience.

By MA. GLAIZA LEEAugust 9, 2010, 11:30am Manila Bulletin

The aroma of the Ylang-ylang

A Sampaguita necklace, usually sold in churches during Sundays, will not be complete without the Ylang-ylang flowers.  Ylang-ylang is a common name for the Cananga tree, which is scientifically known as Cananga odorata.

The name Ylang-ylang is derived from Tagalog, either from the word ilang, meaning “wilderness,” which is descriptive to its natural habitat. It may also

originate from ilang-ilan, meaning “rare,” which is suggestive of its exceptionally delicate scent.  A more widely accepted translation is “flower or flowers.”  The plant is native to the Philippines and Indonesia and is commonly grown in Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia. The Ylang-ylang is valued for its highly fragrant flowers, where an aromatic essential oil is derived.  Ylang-ylang oil is widely used in aromatherapy, and is a major component of most perfumes and fragrances.

The oil is believed to relieve high blood pressure, normalize sebum secretion for skin problems, and is considered to be an aphrodisiac.  The oil from Ylang-ylang is widely used in perfumery for oriental or floral themed perfumes.

By JUSTIN B. MORELOSMarch 30, 2010, 3:58pm Manila Bulletin

FastFacts:JASMINE

Jasmine has a strong but sweet, pleasing and romantic fragrance, which is very common in those flowers which bloom at night. 

Anti Depressant: The aroma of this oil has a pleasing, uplifting effect on mind and fights depression. 

Disenfectant: It is a very good anti septic and disinfectant

FOREIGN LITERAURE

Depression and aroma therapy

Aroma therapy is particularly effective in dealing with stress, depression and stress related disorders. Depressions Is a term which encompasses a wide spectrum of psychic problems and symptoms which, in turn, can lead to more serious illness. Aromatherapy, in helping to relax the patient and by reducing stress, may actually help to prevent such conditions. Depression related disorders, such as digestive problems, stress and other mental problems, can be treated by aromatherapy. As depression is reduced, there is a corresponding improvement in sleep patterns and energy levels.

Aromatherapy is an alternative treatment that uses the highly concentrated essentials oils that are extracted from plants to treat symptoms and assist in the healing process.

Aromatherapy can help in mind forms of depression. It may ease mental fatigue and help with sleep. Essential oils can help to lighten and uplift ones mood. Just the right blend applied in massages, baths, diffusers, and personal perfumes can all be helpful at such times. However, if you, or someone you know, are severely depressed additional support and therapy are necessary. Aromatherapy is more effective when used as a complementary therapy, assisting other therapies.

There is very little evidence for all the claims made by aromatherapists regarding the various healing properties of oils. The use of aromatherapy can be seen as part of a lifestyle choice-- a lifestyle that allows for pleasure because a moment of pleasure is healing.

(http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/)

Chinese medicine and aromatic plant use

Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM encompasses a comprehensive medical theory as well as an extensive pharmacopoeia which is organized into 24 categories but action. Each herb is explained through its energetic as well as its actions and the particular organs it affects. According to Chinese herbal energetic, some herbs have ascending actions, while some descend: some invigorate while others sedate. some herbs move to the body’s surface, or the extremities, while others penetrate deeply to affect organ functioning or even

the most fundamental kidney that which provides us with vitality and ensures proper function of all other organs.

Many of the best loved essentials oils have source plants, or asian variants, in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. It must be stressed that many ideas presented here are correlations between different species of plants with the same family. They share many compounds, but percentages and actual constituents vary. While aromatherapy may be unknown by name in china, centuries of using essential oils and aromatic plants provides au with a wealth of aromatic practice and tradition.

(http://www.cherylsherbs.com/TCM_&_aroma therapy.htm)

Depression treatment and relief

Using aromatherapy for depression treatment and relief can de quite effective.

Depression is related to a number of psychological problems which in turn can transform into serious ailments which are physiological in nature. Aromatherapy helps the patient relax, reduces stress and can prevent the onset of complications that will commence. If the depression is not treated or is ineffective treated, the ailments connected to depression are digestive disorders, skin problems, mental problems like anxiety and paranoia, and also insomnia.A study regarding brain wave frequency has proven that inhaling the fragrance of lavender sets alpha waves to increase, which happens in a state of relaxation. In a state of relaxation, it is easy for the body to self heal. This makes it useful to use aromatherapy for depression relief and treatment. In case of mild depression, aromatherapy can help alleviate the conditions. It will also help ease stress and mental fatigue, and enhance quality of sleep. Inhaling the fragrance of essential oils can instantly boost energy levels and improve one’s mood. A light blend of oils for baths, massages and body sprays can immediately lift the spirits of depressed person.

(http://threadeonline.co.uk?2008/05/literature-of-depression/)

Chapter III

Methodology and design

This chapter presents the design that will identify the procedures by which the study population will be selected, how these subjects will be used to yield the required date, and how the date will be collected. Once the research design and study subjects are determined the appropriate tools for collecting data are selected these may be interview or questioning or rating scale. The respondents of the study were also determined.

Research design

For this study the researchers will conduct a experimental research design. The study will be performed on October 2010 in Brgy. Balingasa in Quezon City. Regarding the relationship of aroma therapy in reducing level of depression among elderly residents in Brgy. Balingasa in Quezon City.

Participants of the study

The participants of the study are elderly residents of Brgy. Balingasa Quezon City. This study will be conducted after the approval of Brgy. chairman. Then researcher will gather information at the Brgy. head office, regarding the number of elderly that are currently residing there. The researcher will use the pure random sampling technique in the study.

Data collection experimental and procedures

The study is all about relationship of using aromatherapy in reducing level of depression among elderly residents of Brgy. Balingasa in Quezon City. The researcher will visit the respondents at their home for experimental procedure. The procedure will take about 5 minutes of aroma therapy and after that the documentation was going to be conducted. After the documentation, the researcher is going to visit again for further analysis of the documents.

Data analysis

In experimental method this is the third traditional method. The experimental design is future oriented and never hypothesis free. Like any other method. It begins with a problem it is believed to be the most prestigious method of advancing, scientific knowledge. It is also the only method of research that can truly test hypothesis concerning cause and effects relationships.