The Effect of Music on Fear and Anxiety of Children During Tomography: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the effect of a musical intervention during computed tomography (CT) on fear, anxiety and vital signs of children. Method: This randomized, double-blind controlled trial was conducted according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Studies (CONSORT) guidelines. The study sample included children aged between 6 and 10 years who met the inclusion criteria and underwent CT scan in the emergency department of a public hospital in eastern Turkey between 18 April and 20 May 2023. The research was completed with a total of 60 children, randomized to one of two groups. The nursing intervention of the study was playing music. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Child and Family Information Form, the Children's Fear Scale (CFS), Children's Anxiety Meter-State (CAM-S) and the Vital Signs Monitoring Form (pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation). Ethical principles were followed in the research. Results: The level of fear, anxiety, pulse rate and respiratory rate of the children in the musical intervention group during CT scanning were lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). No difference was found between the groups in terms of oxygen saturation (p < 0.05). Conclusion and Recommendations for Implementation: The results of this study suggest that musical intervention during CT scanning in children is effective in reducing the level of fear and anxiety and stabilizing vital signs. By using such nonpharmacologic methods, nurses can provide support to children and alleviate emotional difficulties during procedures.