The Effect of Music During Chemotherapy Treatment on Depression, Anxiety, Stress Levels and Chemotherapy Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial


Silgan M., ÖZTÜRK Ş.

International Journal of Nursing Practice, cilt.32, sa.4, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 32 Sayı: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1111/ijn.70169
  • Dergi Adı: International Journal of Nursing Practice
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: anxiety, chemotherapy symptoms, depression, music, nursing
  • Maltepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Aim: This study aimed to determine the effect of listening to music during chemotherapy sessions on depression, anxiety, stress, and treatment-related symptoms. Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted between June and September 2023 with stable, non-metastatic patients receiving outpatient chemotherapy at a university hospital oncology unit. Sixty-three eligible patients were randomised to the intervention or control group, and 49 participants completed the study (intervention n = 24; control n = 25). Both groups received routine care, while the intervention group additionally listened to music during chemotherapy sessions for 4 weeks. Depression, anxiety, stress, and chemotherapy-related symptoms were assessed before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools. The study was reported according to the CONSORT guidelines. Results: Participants who listened to music showed significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress, together with improvements in treatment-related symptoms, including pain, fatigue, nausea, sadness, worry, insomnia, appetite loss, well-being, and shortness of breath. Conclusion: Listening to music during chemotherapy may improve psychological well-being and alleviate treatment-related symptoms. As a simple, non-invasive, low-cost intervention, music can be incorporated into routine nursing care as a complementary therapeutic approach. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06180629.