The effect of non-verbal music on anxiety in hospitalized children

Ashrafalsadat Hakim1, Seyedeh Shima Hosseini Kaldozkhi2, Ashraf Tashakori3

  • 1Nursing Care Research Center in Chronic Diseases, Department of Nursing, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. hakim3448200@yahoo.com.

BMC Pediatrics
|June 5, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Listening to non-verbal music significantly reduced anxiety and respiratory rates in hospitalized children. This non-pharmacological intervention offers a practical approach to improving pediatric patient well-being during hospital stays.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Music Therapy
  • Healthcare Interventions

Background:

  • Non-pharmacological methods, including music, show promise in reducing patient anxiety.
  • Hospitalized children often experience significant anxiety, impacting their recovery.
  • The specific impact of non-verbal music on pediatric anxiety requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of non-verbal music in alleviating anxiety among hospitalized children.
  • To assess the effect of music intervention on physiological indicators of anxiety in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 52 hospitalized children aged 6-12 years.
  • Participants were allocated to either a test group (non-verbal music) or a control group.
  • Anxiety levels were measured using the Spielberger questionnaire, with vital signs also recorded.

Main Results:

  • Daily 20-minute sessions of non-verbal music significantly decreased anxiety scores and respiratory rates (P≤0.01).
  • A significant reduction in vital signs, excluding body temperature, was observed in the music intervention group over three days (P≤0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Non-verbal music serves as an effective, practical strategy for reducing anxiety in hospitalized children.
  • Music intervention can lead to a reduction in anxiety and associated physiological stress markers in pediatric patients.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos