Abstract

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of muscle relaxation and music therapy on anxiety level in patients waiting for cardiac catheterization.

Background. Anxiety is one of the most common human emotions from positive or negative experiences of life. High levels of anxiety have many unwanted effects on the body systems. In stressful situations such as invasive diagnostic techniques, the person experiences high level of anxiety. One of the main responsibilities of nurses is to control anxiety in patients with pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.

Method. This quasi-experimental study was conducted in one hospital affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Science. After obtaining approval and written consent, 150 patients, waiting for cardiac catheterization, were randomly divided into three groups of muscle relaxation, music therapy and control. Data were collected by demographic form and self-report form of anxiety through interview. One hour before cardiac catheterization, the level of anxiety was measured in all groups, then, muscle relaxation group was asked to perform Benson muscle relaxation for 20 minutes based on listening to a recorded tape of guidance by headphone. At the same time, the music therapy group listened to music tape by headphone. Control group received no intervention but standard nursing care. Immediately before cardiac catheterization, the level of anxiety was measured again in all groups. Data were analyzed by SPSS using Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests.

Findings. Immediately before catheterization, patients' anxiety level was significantly reduced (p<0.001) in muscle relaxation and music therapy groups, while it increased in the control group. Immediately before catheterization, a statistical significant difference was found between levels of anxiety in groups (p<0.001).

Conclusion. Both Benson muscle relaxation and music therapy significantly reduced anxiety level of patients and music therapy had more effect on the anxiety level of patients waiting for cardiac catheterization.

Abstract

Aim. This study was conducted to examine the effect of supportive nursing program on depression, anxiety and stress of family members of patients during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Background. patient’s family members experience high levels of depression, anxiety and stress during coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Informational and emotional support of family members during surgery may have significant effect on reducing their psychological distress and enabling them to better support of the patient.

Method. This semi-experimental study was conducted on 104 relatives of patients. They were recruited in the study with regard to the inclusion criteria and assigned to either experimental (n=52) or control (n=52) group. The experimental group received supportive nursing program including informational and emotional support. The control group only received routine interventions. Data were collected by demographic form and modified Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). The data were analyzed by Chi-squire and T-test using SPSS software, version 21.   

Findings. There were no statistically significant differences between control and intervention group regarding the mean scores of depression, anxiety and stress before surgery. After intervention (at the end of surgery) experimental group reported significantly lower levels of depression, anxiety and stress (P<0.0001).

Conclusion. According to the finding, supportive nursing program could reduce depression, anxiety and stress of family members of patients during coronary artery bypass graft surgery so, we suggest this program as an effective intervention to support family members during coronary artery bypass graft surgery.