Music Interventions for Cancer Patients During COVID-19

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong conducted a qualitative study to explore stressors, coping strategies, and the feasibility of music interventions among breast and gynaecological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that music interventions may be effective in lowering stress levels among these patients. The researchers identified two stressor themes: undesirable experiences during treatment and patients' inability to fulfill their own roles and responsibilities. They also discovered a new coping strategy - self-realisation of responsibilities towards the family - that is not listed in the transactional model of stress and coping. The study suggests that music interventions for cancer patients should focus on raising awareness of values and responsibilities towards families.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to explore stressors, coping strategies, and the feasibility of music interventions among breast and gynaecological cancer patients receiving chemotherapy in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The researchers identified two stressor themes: undesirable experiences during treatment and patients' inability to fulfill their own roles and responsibilities.
  • The study found that music interventions may be effective in lowering stress levels among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
  • The researchers identified a new coping strategy - self-realisation of responsibilities towards the family.
  • Three categories of preferred music genres for stress reduction were identified: religious, softly melodic, and revolutionary music.
  • The study suggests that music interventions for cancer patients should focus on raising awareness of values and responsibilities towards families.
  • The researchers concluded that music interventions for BGC patients receiving chemotherapy in Vietnam are feasible, and further intervention studies are needed to evaluate their effectiveness.
  • The study involved a convenience sample of 20 BGC patients receiving chemotherapy recruited from the oncology centre of a public hospital in Vietnam.
  • The researchers used a qualitative content analysis approach to analyze field notes and interview transcripts.
  • The study explored the acceptance of music interventions and facilitators and barriers to implementing them among BGC patients in Vietnam.

Statistics:

  • 20 BGC patients receiving chemotherapy were interviewed in the study.
  • 2 stressor themes were identified: undesirable experiences during treatment and patients' inability to fulfill their own roles and responsibilities.
  • 3 categories of preferred music genres for stress reduction were identified: religious, softly melodic, and revolutionary music.
  • 1:11 is the page range of the journal article in Scientific Reports.

Sources:

  • A qualitative study on stress, coping strategies and feasibility of music intervention among women with cancer receiving chemotherapy during COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. Scientific Reports, 2023,13(1):1-11. (Scientific Reports - http://www.nature.com/srep/index.html)
  • The publisher for Scientific Reports is Nature Portfolio.
  • The free version of this journal article is available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1038/s41598-023-27654-9.
  • NewsRx. New COVID-19 Research Reported from Chinese University of Hong Kong (A qualitative study on stress, coping strategies and feasibility of music intervention among women with cancer receiving chemotherapy during COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. February 5, 2023; p 227.