Effects of Music Therapy on Anxiety and Distress Levels During Radionuclide Treatment in Prostate Cancer Patients

Overview

This interventional study aimed to evaluate the effects of music therapy on anxiety and distress levels in patients with prostate cancer undergoing radionuclide therapy. A total of 60 patients who met the eligibility criteria were included in the study. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Patients in the intervention group listened to music through headphones during the radionuclide treatment session, while patients in the control group received standard care without a music intervention. Music selections included various types of non-verbal music such as classical music, Turkish classical music, and other instrumental genres. Participants were allowed to select their preferred music from a predefined list. Psychological distress and anxiety levels were assessed using the Distress Thermometer and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Measurements were obtained before the treatment session and again after completion of the radionuclide therapy. The study evaluated whether listening to music during treatment could reduce anxiety and distress levels in patients receiving radionuclide therapy for prostate cancer.

ntervention and Implementation Eligible patients undergoing radionuclide therapy in the nuclear medicine unit were evaluated for participation in the study. After receiving information about the study and providing written informed consent, participants were allocated to either the intervention group or the control group. The first eligible patient was assigned to the intervention group and the second patient to the control group. This sequence was continued until a total of 60 patients were included in the study. Patients in the intervention group listened to music during radionuclide therapy, while patients in the control group received standard care without music intervention. Music Intervention The music intervention consisted of listening to instrumental, non-verbal music through headphones during radionuclide therapy. Participants were allowed to choose their preferred music from a categorized list including classical music, Turkish classical music, Turkish makam music (Uşşak, Rast, Zirgüle, Hüseyni), jazz music, and other instrumental music genres. Music playlists were prepared according to patient preferences prior to the treatment session. Participants were instructed on how to use the headphones and how to adjust the volume to a comfortable level. The music was played continuously during the treatment session for approximately 20-40 minutes. Individual music preference was considered an important factor in the intervention. Therefore, patients were allowed to select music genres that they felt most comfortable with. Only instrumental or lyric-free music was used to minimize distraction and promote relaxation. Intervention Protocol Intervention Group Before radionuclide therapy, participants completed a questionnaire regarding sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics. Baseline levels of anxiety and distress were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Distress Thermometer. During radionuclide therapy, patients listened to their selected music through headphones for approximately 20-40 minutes. At the end of the treatment session, the Distress Thermometer and HADS were administered again to assess post-treatment anxiety and distress levels. Control Group Patients in the control group received standard care without music intervention. Before radionuclide therapy, participants completed the sociodemographic and disease-related questionnaire as well as baseline assessments using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Distress Thermometer. At the end of the treatment session, the same assessment tools were administered again to evaluate post-treatment anxiety and distress levels.