The effect of religious intervention on the level of consciousness of comatose patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

IntroductionThe Qur'an is regarded as the central religious text of Islam and referred to as the celestial book of Muslims that covers the entire dimensions of human life. The aim of this study was to determine the religious intervention upon the level of consciousness of the comatose patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. MethodsThis randomized clinical trial was performed with 66 comatose patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit who were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. For the samples of the intervention group, Surah Raad, with the voice of Master Shahriyar Parhizgar, was broadcast daily for 17 min via headphones. The level of consciousness of both groups was recorded before and after the intervention. ResultsBy comparing the changes in the level of consciousness in patients in both groups, there was no significant difference between the mean level of consciousness in the both groups before intervention (P = 0.13). After 10 days, the level of consciousness in the intervention group increased significantly (P = 0.01). But, the increase in level of consciousness in the control group after intervention (10 days) was not significant (P = 0.09). ConclusionThe results showed sound of the Quran can improve the level of consciousness of comatose patients. Therefore, it can be used as an easy and practical way to provide spiritual care of patients.