ABSTRACT

Background & objective: Cesarean section is one of the most common surgeries in women and it is increasing worldwide. Cesarean section common methods for pain and anxiety relief is the use of medication. But today, due to the side effects of anesthetic drugs, there is more tend to non-pharmacological methods of pain and anxiety relief, such as music therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of music therapy on anxiety and pain in mothers after Caesarean section surgery.

Methods: In this  quasi experimental study, 60 patients undergoing elective Caesarean section in Hakim Jorjani Hospital in Gorgan 2011, enrolled to study by convenience sampling that randomly allocated into two groups (30 in experimental and 30 in control group). Classical music for 15-20 minutes was implemented for experimental group. The anxiety and pain of patients in arrival to operation room, 10 and 20 minutes of recovery and of left operating room was measured and compared. Data gathered with demographic questionnaire  and Visual Analogue Scales of Anxiety and Pain. Validity of two scales was measured by face and content validity. The data were analyzed using SPSS v.16, by analytical and descriptive statistical test.

Results: Statistical tests indicated a significant relationship between treatment and control groups (p<0.01). The most differences were between 10 minute and 20 minutes and leaving the operating room. Anxiety and pain in experimental group was less than the control group.

Conclusion: Results showed that music therapy in women undergoing cesarean section before entering the operating room could alleviate pain and anxiety of postsurgery, thus can improve patient recovery and early contact of mothers with their children. Therefore, this therapy method should be considered essential by doctors, nurses and other health care staffs.

Key words: Music therapy, Caesarean section, Anxiety pain