Jasemi, M., Aazami, S., & Zabihi, R.E. (2016). The effects of music therapy on anxiety and depression of cancer patients. Indian Journal of Palliative Care, 22, 455–458.

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1075.191823

Study Purpose

To study the effect of music on anxiety and depression

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Patients listened to music for at least 20 minutes daily for three consecutive days. Music was provided through headphones and consisted of light music selected by experts. Study measurements were done daily after the intervention.

Sample Characteristics

N = 60
AGE: Range = 18-65
MALES: 57.2%
FEMALES: 42.8%
KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: 54% had soft tissue tumors; others were bone cancer and leukemia. The majority in both groups had stage IV disease.
OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: 63% had less than high school education. Baseline HADS score was slightly over 14 in both groups.

Setting

SITE: Single site
SETTING TYPE: Not specified
LOCATION: India

Study Design

Two-group, non-random, quasi-experimental

Measurement Instruments/Methods

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

Results

There was no significant change in HADS scores in the control group. HADS scores declined significantly over the three days of the music group (p < 0.001)

Conclusions

Listening to music was associated with short-term reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Limitations

Small sample (< 100)
Risk of bias (no blinding)
Risk of bias (no random assignment)
Risk of bias (no appropriate attentional control condition)
Key sample group differences that could influence results

Nursing Implications

Listening to music is a low-risk intervention that may be of benefit in managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.