A Comparative Analysis of the Anxiety Reduction During Pregnancy: Sape’ Dayak Traditional Music Versus Brahms’ Lullaby

Objectives This study examined whether Sape’ Dayak music lowers anxiety in pregnant women, supporting both holistic health and cultural preservation. Methods A quasi-experimental study was conducted with 32 pregnant women recruited from midwifery clinics. Participants were in their third trimester, at least 20 years old, and had a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score >5, indicating poor sleep quality. Sixteen women received traditional Sape’ Dayak music therapy, and 16 received Brahms’ Lullaby music therapy. Participants listened to their assigned music for 20 min daily for three consecutive days at home. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using a linear mixed model. Results Both Sape’ Dayak music and Brahms’ Lullaby significantly reduced anxiety levels in pregnant women. While both groups showed a reduction in PASS scores (IG: mean change 4.1; CG: mean change 6.1), the Brahms’ Lullaby group demonstrated a statistically greater decrease in anxiety compared to the Sape’ Dayak group (mean difference = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.9, ρ = 0.000). Baseline anxiety scores were a strong predictor of post-intervention scores. Conclusion This study indicates that traditional music listening can reduce anxiety during pregnancy.