Effect of Music Therapy on Chemotherapy Anticipatory Symptoms in Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study

Filippo Giordano; Chiara Rutigliano; Caterina Ugolini; Erika Iacona; Lucia Ronconi; Celeste Raguseo; Teresa Perillo; Angarano Rosa; Nicola Santoro; Ines Testoni

doi:10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.04.019

Effect of Music Therapy on Chemotherapy Anticipatory Symptoms in Adolescents: A Mixed Methods Study

J Pain Symptom Manage. 2024 Apr 27:S0885-3924(24)00740-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.04.019. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (F.G.), University of Bari, Bari, Italy; Pediatric Hemathology-Oncology Unit (F.G., C.R., C.R., A.R., N.S.), University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy. Electronic address: filippo.giordano@uniba.it.
² Pediatric Hemathology-Oncology Unit (F.G., C.R., C.R., A.R., N.S.), University Hospital of Bari, Bari, Italy.
³ Department of Philosophy (C.U., E.I., I.T.), Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology (FISPPA), University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
⁴ Computer and Statistical Services, Multifunctional Pole of Psychology (L.R.), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.

PMID: 38679306
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2024.04.019

Abstract

Introduction: This study explores the feasibility and effects of music therapy on anticipatory nausea and vomiting, stress, pain and quality of life in adolescents undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: This is a single group, quasi-experimental study using pre/post-test design. Participants received four individual sessions of music therapy (MT), led by a certified music therapist. State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory Y-1, and a 0-4 Likert scale for pain, nausea and vomiting were recorded. Heart rate variability (LF/HF) was collected during sessions. PedsQL was collected before and at the end of the trial. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants.

Results: A significant reduction in anxiety, nausea and vomiting, both pre-post single sessions and between different sessions, was observed. A significant increase in LF/HF and PedsQL scores was observed. Relevant themes also emerged from interviews.

Conclusion: Results support the feasibility of introducing music therapy with adolescents undergoing chemotherapy. Perceived stress and psychological/physical wellbeing were improved in participants.

Keywords: Music therapy; adolescents; chemotherapy; nausea; pain; quality of life; vomiting.