The Use of Coffee Aroma for Stress Reduction in Postgraduate Dental Students
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Issued Date
2024-01-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00206539
eISSN
1875595X
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85191297216
Journal Title
International Dental Journal
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Dental Journal (2024)
Suggested Citation
Pachimsawat P., Tammayan M., Do T.K.A., Jantaratnotai N. The Use of Coffee Aroma for Stress Reduction in Postgraduate Dental Students. International Dental Journal (2024). doi:10.1016/j.identj.2024.03.018 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/98189
Title
The Use of Coffee Aroma for Stress Reduction in Postgraduate Dental Students
Author(s)
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential reduction of academic stress related to a graded oral presentation in postgraduate dental students using coffee aromatherapy. Methods: Healthy postgraduate dental students in a seminar class were divided into coffee (n = 32) and control (n = 26) groups. There were 3 modes of aroma distribution: personal distribution with a coffee pad attached to a lanyard, a lanyard plus a personal fan for ventilation of the aroma, and the typical method of the diffuser to spread the aroma in the ambient air. Stress markers comprised levels of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), cortisol (sCort), and chromogranin A (sCgA). Pulse rates were also measured. Results: Levels of sAA increased 176.62% ± 30.26% between pre- and postpresentation in the control group. Inhaling coffee aroma during the presentation period significantly ameliorated sAA increase at 81.02% ± 14.90% (P = .015). sCort levels tended to decrease in the coffee group, but not significantly. Surprisingly, sCgA levels increased more in the coffee group. Also, pulse rates decreased in the coffee group (−2.07 ± 2.81 bpm) and increased in the control group (6.90 ± 3.22 bpm; P = .035). Subgroup analysis did not reveal differences in salivary markers amongst the 3 aroma distribution modes. Conclusions: Coffee aroma could have an anxiolytic effect on postgraduate dental students, as evidenced by changes in sAA levels and pulse rates. Personal aroma distribution was also a useful and effective mode of aromatherapy.