Effects of Music on Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Hair Transplantation: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Objective: To study the effects of music on anxiety in patients undergoing hair transplantation.Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial enrolled patients undergoing hair transplantation. The patients were randomized into a music group, who listened to music for 15 minutes during the preoperative period, and a control group, who were not exposed to music. Two scales were used to measure anxiety. One was the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), comprised of a state anxiety scale (STAI-S) and trait anxiety scale (STAI-T). The other was the Visual Analog Scale for Anxiety (VASA). Demographic and physical parameters (blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate) were recorded.Results: The 26 patients had a mean age of 40.8 ± 10.4 years. Twenty-three (88.5%) were men. The 2 groups had no significant differences in their STAI-S or VASA scores, or physical parameters before and after intervention. TheSTAI-S score of the control group significantly increased with time (P = 0.027). Additionally, a significant decrease in the VASA score was observed after the intervention for the music group (P = 0.039). No adverse events were noted.Conclusion: Listening to music is an easy, effective, and safe method of reducing preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing hair transplantation. The method should be employed during the preoperative period for patients undergoing hair transplantation. It may also be considered for use in similar procedures.