The effectiveness of music therapy on mood and quality of life of colorectal cancer patients

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mu­sic therapy treatment on mood and quality of life of colorectal cancer patients.

Method: Eighteen subjects (14 women and 4 men) who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer participated in a music therapy pro­gram consisting of eight weekly group music therapy sessions, 90 minute-session. Partici­pants completed the following instruments before and after the intervention (pre/post): the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Profile of Mood States-Short Form A (POMS-A), the Global Quality of Life Scale and the Functioning Scales of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-C30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30). A 3 item Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for Anxiety, Sadness and Physical Distress was administered at the be­ginning and end of each session (pre/post ses­sion). An Observation Behavior Form (designed ad hoc) was used to evaluate mood after each session. A Music Therapy Program Satisfaction Questionnaire (designed ad hoc) was adminis­tered at the end of the program.

Results: Although all the obtained scores pointed to a desirable change direction, non significant changes were found in the POMS-A, HADS nor EORTC QLQ-C30. A significant im­provement was found in the Anxiety, Sadness and Physical Distress NRS items. The Music Therapy Program Satisfaction Questionnaire showed that participants perceived this type of intervention as very useful and very satis­factory.