Effects of Self-Selected Music on Self-Injection Fear, Blood Glucose Testing Fear, and Pain

Overview

Fear and pain associated with self-insulin injection and blood glucose self-testing may negatively affect diabetes self-management. This randomized, parallel-group trial evaluated the effects of self-selected music on fear of self-injection, fear of blood glucose self-testing, and procedural pain in adults with type 2 diabetes. Sixty hospitalized participants were allocated to a self-selected music intervention group (n=30) or a standard care control group (n=30). On Day 1, both groups underwent routine blood glucose monitoring and self-insulin injection during morning and evening sessions. On Day 2, participants in the intervention group listened to self-selected music through headphones immediately before and throughout both procedures, whereas the control group continued to receive standard care without music. Fear was assessed using the Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-Testing Questionnaire, and pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale at four time points over two days.

This completed randomized controlled trial was conducted in the internal medicine ward of Midyat State Hospital between March 31, 2024 and April 30, 2025. A total of 72 adults with type 2 diabetes were assessed for eligibility; 5 did not meet the eligibility criteria and 7 declined to participate. Sixty participants were enrolled and allocated to the self-selected music intervention group (n=30) or the standard care control group (n=30). On Day 1, participants in both groups underwent routine blood glucose monitoring and self-insulin injection procedures during morning and evening sessions. On Day 2, participants in the intervention group listened to self-selected music through headphones immediately before and throughout the morning and evening blood glucose monitoring and self-insulin injection sessions. Participants in the control group underwent the same procedures and assessment schedule without music. The D-FISQ and VAS were administered at four measurement points over the two-day study period.