Effect of Benson's relaxation technique on the anxiety of patients undergoing coronary angiography: A randomized control trial

Background and Purpose: Anxiety is a common problem associated with invasive medical procedures, especially in patients undergoing coronary angiography. As an intensifier at cardiovascular reactions, anxiety poses significant risk to the health of patients undergoing angiography. Researchers believe that use of Benson's relaxation technique could reduce anxiety in different patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Benson's relaxation technique on the anxiety of patients undergoing coronary angiography. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 70 patients who were candidates for coronary angiography in Mazandaran Heart Center in Sari, Iran in 2014. Patients were selected via randomized sampling and divided into two groups of intervention (n=35) and control (n=35). Data collection tools included demographic questionnaire, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and hemodynamic variables recording sheet. Data analysis was performed in SPSS V. 16 using Chi-square, dependent and paired T-test, and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Both study groups were homogenous in terms of age, gender, marital status, education level, disease history, and health insurance status. Use of Benson's relaxation technique significantly decreased anxiety in the intervention group (P=0.0001). However, no significant difference was observed in the systolic blood pressure, respiratory rate and heartbeat parameters between the study groups (P=0.0001). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, use of Benson's relaxation technique before coronary angiography reduced the level of anxiety in the patients. Therefore, this complementary approach could be used as an effective healthcare measure without any side effects to provide mental support for patients before invasive procedures, such as angiography.