Clinical and psychological changes associated with music listening in haemodialysis patients: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Haemodialysis (HD) patients experience significant psychological and physiological stress. Non-pharmacological interventions such as music listening sessions can alleviate anxiety and depression without drug-related side effects.
Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of music therapy on psychological well-being and selected biochemical parameters in HD patients.
Setting: This study was conducted with 49 HD patients at the Dialysis Unit of Harran University Faculty of Medicine between May and July 2025.
Methods: All patients underwent a 4-week music listening programme (12 sessions, each session consisting of 30 min of traditional music). Psychological status was assessed before and after the intervention using the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories. Biochemical parameters and dialysis efficiency indicators were also recorded. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test.
Results: Significant decreases were observed in anxiety and depression scores (p < 0.001). Biochemical analyses showed significant changes in sodium (p < 0.001), calcium (p = 0.002), glucose (p = 0.024) and albumin (p < 0.001) levels. No significant changes were observed in dialysis efficiency indicators.
Conclusion: Music listening sessions administered during HD sessions improved patients’ psychological state and affected selected biochemical parameters. This is a safe, cost-effective, complementary intervention that may increase comfort and potentially improve physiological outcomes.
Contribution: This study highlights the potential of music listening sessions as an adjunct to conventional treatments in HD care.