The effect of nature-based sounds applied before colonoscopy on patients’ pain, anxiety, and embarrassment: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

ABS TRACT Objective: The study aimed to determine the effect of nature-based sounds before colonoscopy on pain, anxiety, and embarrassment. Material and Methods: This randomized-controlled experimental study was conducted with 80 patients in the colonoscopy unit of a university hospital. All patients underwent standard care and intestinal preparation before the colonoscopy. The patients were randomized into 2 groups. The randomization of the study was carried out through the closed envelope method. In addition to routine maintenance before the colonoscopy, 20-minute nature-based sound was applied to the intervention group (n=40). And the control group (n=40) did not receive any intervention other than routine nursing care. The naturebased sounds, which are used in practice and prepared in line with the literature by taking expert opinion in preparation, consist of 4 different sounds. The data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, Visual Analog Scale, Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, Colonoscopy Embarrassment Scale, and Physiological Parameters Assessment Form. Results: In the in-group and between-group evaluations, the reduction in anxiety, embarrassment and pain severity was statistically significant in the group that listened to nature-based sound (p=0.001). There were statistically significant differences in favor of the nature-based sound group in the between-group and ingroup evaluations of physiological parameters (p<0.05). Conclusion: This research provides results supporting the use of nature-based sounds before colonoscopy. It is recommended that nature-based sound be included in nursing activities intended for patients undergoing colonoscopy and studies be continued in this field to increase the evidence level of the present study’s results.