Effectiveness of Music Listening on Anxiety and Stress Levels of Primiparous Pregnant Women in the Third Trimester: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of music listening on the anxiety and stress levels of primiparous pregnant women in the third trimester.
METHODS: The study was conducted between December 01, 2019, and August 31, 2020. In the study, 120 primiparous pregnant women in their third trimester were randomized into two groups at a 1: 1 ratio. Participants in the music group were given standard prenatal education and a 10-day practice of listening to Turkish music for 20 min a day. Participants in the control group received standard prenatal training. The State and Trait Anxiety Inventory and pregnancy stress rating scale (PSRS) were applied twice to both groups, before and after the practice.
RESULTS: The study included 60 (50.0%) pregnant women in the music group and 60 (50.0%) in the control group. A decrease in state anxiety scores was observed in both the music and control groups (34.5 [15.5] vs. 31.4±8.6, respectively; p<0.001 in the music group, 37.1±7.6 vs. 35.0±7.3, respectively; p<0.001 in the control group). On the other hand, while a decrease was observed in the music group’s total PSRS score, no difference was found in the control group (61.9±28.2 vs. 45.0 [46.8], respectively; p=0.002 in the music group, 59.2±26.4 vs. 54.8±28.2, respectively; p=0.1115 in the control group).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Turkish classical music listening can be used safely in primiparous pregnant women to reduce anxiety and stress.