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

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.