Effect of Music Therapy on Stress, Anxiety, and Pregnancy Outcome Among High-Risk Antenatal Mothers in Selected Hospitals.

BACKGROUND

High-risk pregnancies are commonly associated with elevated maternal stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact both maternal health and fetal outcomes. Music therapy is a noninvasive, cost-effective intervention that may support maternal psychological well-being.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of music therapy on stress and anxiety among high-risk antenatal mothers and its association with selected demographic variables.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was adopted, using purposive sampling. The study included 120 high-risk antenatal mothers, with 60 in the experimental group receiving music therapy and 60 in the control group receiving standard antenatal care. Music therapy was administered using instrumental music over multiple sessions. Stress and anxiety levels were assessed using the Modified Perceived Stress Scale and the Modified Beck Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and z-tests.

RESULTS

In the experimental group, the average stress score decreased from 25.7 to 18.7 (t = 10.2, P < 0.05) and the anxiety score reduced from 30.6 to 23.5 (t = 15.5, P < 0.05). In contrast, the control group showed minimal reductions. The mean stress reduction was 7.0 in the experimental group versus 1.1 in the control group (Z = 8.6, P < 0.05), and the mean anxiety reduction was 7.2 versus 2.1 (Z = 10.6, P < 0.05), indicating a significant effect of music therapy.

CONCLUSION

Music therapy significantly reduces stress and anxiety levels among high-risk antenatal mothers and can be considered a beneficial supportive strategy in antenatal care.