The Effect of Music Therapy on Anxiety and physiological variables in Patients under Spinal Anesthesia

Aims: Surgical procedures under spinal anesthesia have special challenges for anesthesiologists; because patients are alert and are exposed to anxiety caused by visual and auditory stimuli. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of music therapy on level of anxiety and physiological variables in patients under spinal anesthesia. Methods: this semi-experimental research was conducted on 90 men, aged 18-48 years with ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class I, who underwent urological and abdominal surgery. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of 30, Music group (headphone with music), Silence group (headphone without music) and control group (without interference). The patientʹs anxiety rate was measured half hour before and after surgery by Spielberger questionnaire. Meanwhile, physiological parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and arterial blood oxygen) were monitoring and recorded in all three groups from 10 minutes before induction of spinal anesthesia until 10 minutes after surgery. Respiratory rate were observed and recorded by the researcher. Results: There were significant differences after intervention in the levels of anxiety and systolic blood pressure between music group and the other two groups (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in respiratory rate and diastolic blood pressure in the three groups. Conclusion: Listening to music during the surgery with spinal anesthesia is effective in reducing anxiety and some physiological variables. Therefore, it can be used as a complementary method to reduce patient anxiety