ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of favorite music therapy on the stress response of hysterectomy patients undergoing general anesthesia. METHODS: Date were collected from June 29, 2015 to January 18, 2016 and the participants were 79 hysterectomy patients (experimental group 40 and control group 39). The experimental group listened to their favorite music through earphones from the moment they entered the surgical waiting room until they exited from the post anesthesia care unit. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in anxiety (F=15.92, p < .001), systolic blood pressure (F=4.23, p=.008), diastolic blood pressure (F=3.07, p=.033), and heart rate (F=19.93, p < .001) between participants in the experimental group and the control group according to measurement times. CONCLUSION: The study results show that favorite music therapy considering patients' preferences is effective in reducing anxiety among patients undergoing a hysterectomy under general anesthesia, thus leading to a stable change in their blood pressure and heart rate.