In patients with cancer, both the disease and treatment process may cause various psychosocial problems, the most frequent of which is anxiety. Therefore, reducing anxiety level is essential for the psychosocial well-being of patients.
METHODS
The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of music therapy on state anxiety during radiotherapy.
The study was conducted on 72 radiotherapy outpatients, who were divided into two groups. One group
received music therapy and listened to songs of their choice, whereas the other group received no music
therapy. The state anxiety level of the patients was evaluated a day before and upon completion of
the therapy. Data were analysed using t-test, analysis of variance and chi-square test in dependent and
independent groups.
RESULTS
The study found that anxiety levels of patients in the music therapy group decreased (p=0.001) and those
of patients in the no-music therapy group increased compared with the baseline values (p=0.003). Moreover,
anxiety levels of patients in the no-music therapy increased after radiotherapy compared with those
before radiotherapy (p=0.006). Difference between the anxiety levels of patients before radiotherapy was
not statistically significant (p=0.071); however, difference between the anxiety levels after radiotherapy
was statistically significant (p=0.036).
CONCLUSION
Music therapy can reduce anxiety levels of patients undergoing radiotherapy.