Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

The effect of music on menopausal symptoms, sleep quality,and depression: a randomized controlled trial

SUMMARY

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to determine the effect of music on menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, and depression levels in menopausal women.

METHODS:

This randomized controlled study was carried out between August and December 2022. The study sample consisted of 61 menopausal women (intervention: 30 and control: 31). The intervention group listened to music twice a day for 5 weeks, with a total of 70 sessions. The control group received only routine care. Menopause symptoms, depression levels, and sleep quality were evaluated at the beginning and the end of the study using the Menopausal Symptoms Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index.

RESULTS:

The post-test Menopausal Symptoms Rating Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index scores of the menopausal women were found to be lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p=0.011, p=0.001, and p=0.006, respectively). When the pre-test and post-test mean scores were compared, the mean menopausal symptoms and depression levels decreased, and sleep quality increased significantly in the intervention group. No significant difference was observed in the control group.

CONCLUSION:

This study shows that music may have an effect on reducing the level of menopausal symptoms and depression levels and also increasing the sleep quality of menopausal women.

KEYWORDS
Sleep quality; Depression; Menopause; Music; Randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Menopause is an important turning point in the life cycle of women11 Zeng LN, Yang Y, Feng Y, Cui X, Wang R, Hall BJ, et al. The prevalence of depression in menopausal women in China: a meta-analysis of observational studies. J Affect Disord. 2019;256:337-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.017
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.01...
. Menopausal women complain about numerous different symptoms such as sexual problems, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, as well as psychological changes such as depression. Approximately 70% of women complain about vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes, which may continue for up to 15 years in about 20% of women22. Djapardy V, Panay N. Alternative and non-hormonal treatments to symptoms of menopause. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2022;81:45-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2021.09.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2021.0...

3. Koçak DY, Varişoğlu Y. The effect of music therapy on menopausal symptoms and depression: a randomized-controlled study. Menopause. 2022;29(5):545-52. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001941
https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.000000000000...
-44. Johnson A, Roberts L, Elkins G. Complementary and alternative medicine for menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019;24:2515690X19829380. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X19829380
https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X19829380...
. Another common complaint related to menopause is sleep disorders, which is an important global health problem affecting 14.3–53.6% of women55. Chen CT, Tung HH, Fang CJ, Wang JL, Ko NY, Chang YJ, et al. Effect of music therapy on improving sleep quality in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021;69(7):1925-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149
https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149...
,66. Kim MJ, Yim G, Park HY. Vasomotor and physical menopausal symptoms are associated with sleep quality. PLoS One. 2018;13(2):e0192934. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192934
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.019...
. Poor sleep quality is associated with negative health outcomes such as obesity, poor quality of life, and depression66. Kim MJ, Yim G, Park HY. Vasomotor and physical menopausal symptoms are associated with sleep quality. PLoS One. 2018;13(2):e0192934. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192934
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.019...
. In addition, as the risk of developing depressive symptoms due to poor sleep quality may increase 2–3 times55. Chen CT, Tung HH, Fang CJ, Wang JL, Ko NY, Chang YJ, et al. Effect of music therapy on improving sleep quality in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021;69(7):1925-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149
https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149...
, there is a vicious circle between menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, and depression. Midwives and nurses can contribute to the reduction of menopause symptoms/depression and increase the sleep quality by executing the roles of counseling, education, and care during menopause33. Koçak DY, Varişoğlu Y. The effect of music therapy on menopausal symptoms and depression: a randomized-controlled study. Menopause. 2022;29(5):545-52. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001941
https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.000000000000...
.

In recent years, the trend toward non-drug methods such as reflexology, acupuncture, and yoga has increased in curing the problems caused by menopausal symptoms44. Johnson A, Roberts L, Elkins G. Complementary and alternative medicine for menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019;24:2515690X19829380. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X19829380
https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X19829380...
,77. Tang NK, Lereya ST, Boulton H, Miller MA, Wolke D, Cappuccio FP. Nonpharmacological treatments of insomnia for long-term painful conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of patient-reported outcomes in randomized controlled trials. Sleep. 2015;38(11):1751-64. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.5158
https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.5158...
. Music intervention is one of the useful, easy-to-use, and accessible alternative methods. Music can help improve sleep quality by affecting the limbic system of the brain88. Vinayak S, Farnaz D, Vinayak R. The effect of music therapy on sleep quality of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy: a randomized control trial. J Soc Sci. 2017;6(4):734-43. https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2017.6.4.734.743
https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2017.6.4.73...
. While endorphin, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin hormones increase with the effect of music, the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol decrease, and under the influence of hormones, breathing slows down; blood pressure drops; blood vessels expand; and muscle relaxation accelerates. Thus, music creates a relaxation effect that reduces anxiety and stress and increases sleep quality88. Vinayak S, Farnaz D, Vinayak R. The effect of music therapy on sleep quality of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy: a randomized control trial. J Soc Sci. 2017;6(4):734-43. https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2017.6.4.734.743
https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2017.6.4.73...
,99. İçel S, Başoğul C. Effects of progressive muscle relaxation training with music therapy on sleep and anger of patients at community mental health center. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021;43:101338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101338
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.1013...
. Several studies determined that music was effective in reducing depression1010. Rahbar A, Firouzkouhi M, Rahnama M, Abdollahimohammad A. Effect of nature sounds on stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in type ii diabetes. J Diabetes Nurs. 2021;9(4):1718-27. and improving sleep quality1010. Rahbar A, Firouzkouhi M, Rahnama M, Abdollahimohammad A. Effect of nature sounds on stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in type ii diabetes. J Diabetes Nurs. 2021;9(4):1718-27.,1111. Lund HN, Pedersen IN, Heymann-Szlachcinska AM, Tuszewska M, Bizik G, Larsen JI, et al. Music to improve sleep quality in adults with depression-related insomnia (MUSTAFI): randomized controlled trial. Nord J Psychiatry. 2023;77(2):188-97. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2022.2080254
https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2022.20...
in adults. However, only one study focused on the effect of music in menopausal women but did not evaluate its effect on sleep quality33. Koçak DY, Varişoğlu Y. The effect of music therapy on menopausal symptoms and depression: a randomized-controlled study. Menopause. 2022;29(5):545-52. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001941
https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.000000000000...
. Therefore, the results of this study will make an important contribution to the literature with data from a developing country. This study was performed to investigate the effect of music provided for 5 weeks on menopausal symptoms, depression levels, and sleep quality in menopausal women.

METHODS

Study design and location

This study was a randomized-controlled study with a pre-test-post-test design. The study was conducted between August 15 and December 25, 2022, in a family medicine located in the central Anatolia region of Turkey. The study was conducted in accordance with CONSORT guidelines and registered on clinicaltrials.gov (registration no. NCT05545761). The suggestions developed by Robb et al.1212. Robb SL, Burns DS, Carpenter JS. Reporting guidelines for music-based interventions. J Health Psychol. 2011;16(2):342-52. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105310374781
https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105310374781...
were used in reporting the music intervention.k

Sample size and characteristics

The sample size was determined based on a similar study in the literature1313. Wang Q, Chair SY, Wong EM, Li X. The effects of music intervention on sleep quality in community-dwelling elderly. J Altern Complement Med. 2016;22(7):576-84. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0304
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0304...
. The sample was calculated using the G Power 3.1.9.7 program. With 95% confidence (1–α), 90% test power (1–β), d=0.89 effect size, and two-way t-test, the minimum sample size was determined as 29 women in each group. Considering possible data loss, a total of 70 menopausal women with 35 in each group were included in the study. Five women in the intervention group and four in the control group dropped out. As a result, with 30 cases in the intervention group and 31 cases in the control group, a post-hoc power analysis was performed, and the power of the test was calculated as 91% (1–β) with 95% confidence interval (1–α) and an effect size of d=0.89. It was determined that the sample size was sufficient for the study. Women in menopause aged between 40 and 65 years, who had not been diagnosed with any psychiatric disease, had no hormone therapy for menopause, had no medical treatment for sleep problems, and had no hearing, mental, or communication problems were included in the study. Those who did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded from the study.

Data collection tools

The questionnaire consisted of four parts. The first part designed to extract information about menopausal women’s sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, age of menopause, educational status, working status, level of income, presence of chronic disease, and smoking habits) prepared by the researchers in line with the literature55. Chen CT, Tung HH, Fang CJ, Wang JL, Ko NY, Chang YJ, et al. Effect of music therapy on improving sleep quality in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021;69(7):1925-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149
https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149...
,66. Kim MJ, Yim G, Park HY. Vasomotor and physical menopausal symptoms are associated with sleep quality. PLoS One. 2018;13(2):e0192934. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192934
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.019...
,99. İçel S, Başoğul C. Effects of progressive muscle relaxation training with music therapy on sleep and anger of patients at community mental health center. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021;43:101338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101338
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.1013...
,1313. Wang Q, Chair SY, Wong EM, Li X. The effects of music intervention on sleep quality in community-dwelling elderly. J Altern Complement Med. 2016;22(7):576-84. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0304
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0304...
consists of 7 items.

In the second part, the MRS evaluates the menopausal symptoms and the severity of these symptoms. The Turkish validity and reliability study of the scale was conducted by Metintas et al.1414. Metintas S, Arýkan I, Kalyoncu C, Ozalp S. Menopause rating scale as a screening tool in rural Turkey. Rural Remote Health. 2010;10(1):1230. PMID: 20356316. The five-point Likert-type scale consists of 11 items and they are grouped under three factors: somatic, psychological, and urogenital complaints. The total score obtained from the scale varies between 0 and 44. Higher total mean scores indicate greater severity of menopausal symptoms. In the third part of the questionnaire, the BDI evaluates the physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms of depression and consists of 21 items, with a scoring system between 0 and 3 points1515. Hisli N. A reliability and validity study of Beck depression inventory in a university student sample. J Psychol. 1989;7:3-13.. The total score varies between 0 and 63. An increase in the total score indicates an increase in depression. The Turkish form of the PSQI was used to assess sleep quality1616. Agargun MY. Pittsburgh uyku kalitesi indeksinin gecerligi ve guvenirligi. Turk Psikiyatri Derg. 1996;7:107-15.. It is calculated over 19 items and scored between 0 and 3. The total PSQI score ranges from 0 to 21. A PSQI score of 5 and above is considered “poor sleep quality,” and a score of 5 or below is considered “good sleep quality.”

Randomization

For randomization, the participants were assigned to the groups by the researchers using the Random Integer Generator (www.random.org, date: 05.08.2022).

Data collection

After the consent of all menopausal women was obtained, and randomization was performed, the sociodemographic, menopausal symptoms, depression, and sleep quality levels were determined via the pre-test. Both groups continued to receive routine care during the study period

Control group

This group only received routine care in the family medicine. Five weeks after the pre-test (introductory information form, MRS, BDI, and PSQI), the post-test (MRS, BDI, and PSQI) was applied.

Intervention group

After the pre-test, the intervention group listened to music for two sessions (in the morning: Hüseyni maqam; at night: Zirgüle maqam) in a day for 5 weeks, selected by the researchers. The Hüseyni maqam, which is most effective between morning and noon, was used for the effects of giving people calmness and comfort by emphasizing beauty and goodness. The Zirgüle maqam was used for the effects of improving sleep to people. Participants were contacted via WhatsApp and were ensured that they were listening to music. The pieces of music were accessed free of charge from the YouTube website and sent to the women. The participants listened to the selected music pieces in their own homes, in a quiet environment, and with headphones. The volume of the music was determined by the women. In total, 70 music sessions were conducted with 30 menopausal women. The average time for listening to music was 30 min (15 min each morning and night) for each day. Post-test was applied to the intervention group when music listening was terminated after 5 weeks.

Evaluation of data

Chi-square-based hypothesis test was applied to test the relationship between categorical variables. We used chi-square independence tests and Fisher’s exact tests for nominal variables. We carried out an independent-samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests to compare the MRS, BDI, and PSQI scores between the intervention and control groups. Also, we implemented a paired-samples t-test and Wilcoxon test to compare the pre-post MRS, BDI, and PSQI scores for each intervention group and control group.

Ethics

Ethical permission (decision no: 2022/1017, date: 04.07.2022) and necessary permissions were obtained. The research was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

RESULTS

The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants are shown in Table 1, and there is no significant difference between the groups. Participants’ age, age of menopause, educational status, working status, level of income, chronic disease state, and smoking habits are similar (p>0.05).

Table 1.
Sociodemographic characteristics between the groups.

Table 2 shows the comparison of the MRS total and subdimension scores between and within groups. Examination of the inter-group differences revealed that there was no significant difference between the MRS total and subdimension pre-test scores of the intervention and control groups (p>0.05). Post-test MRS total, somatic, and psychological symptoms scores were significantly different between the intervention and control groups (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found between the urogenital symptom post-test scores (p>0.05).

Table 2.
Comparison of the Menopause Symptom Rating Scale total and subdimensions scores between and within groups.

Table 3 shows the comparison of the BDI and PSQI scores between and within groups. Examination of the inter-group differences revealed that there was no significant difference between the BDI and PSQI pre-test scores of the intervention and control groups (p>0.05). Post-test BDI and PSQI scores were significantly different between the intervention and control groups (p<0.05). Accordingly, depression levels were lower and sleep quality was higher in the intervention group than in the control group.

Table 3.
Comparison of the Beck Depression Inventory and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index scores between and within groups.

DISCUSSION

The menopausal period, which begins with the cessation of a woman’s reproductive phase, is an important transitional period involving significant physical and emotional changes. During this period, hypoestrogenism affects the central nervous system and triggers common symptoms such as hot flashes, sweating, and insomnia, which can impact women’s activities and quality of life1717. Soares Júnior JM, Lopes RD, Sorpreso ICE, Baracat EC. Women health: holistic view. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023;69(Suppl. 1):e2023S127. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.2023S127
https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.2023S1...
,1818. Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Raimundo RD, Silva Noll PRE, Santos WS, Leone C, Baracat EC, et al. Postmenopausal women’s cognitive function and performance of virtual reality tasks. Climacteric. 2023;26(5):445-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2023.2190511
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2023.21...
. According to the results of the study, music provides a significant improvement in the sleep quality of menopausal women. The meta-analysis reported that music helped to improve the sleep quality of patients with acute and chronic sleep disorders1919. Wang CF, Sun YL, Zang HX. Music therapy improves sleep quality in acute and chronic sleep disorders: a meta-analysis of 10 randomized studies. Int J Nurs Stud. 2014;51(1):51-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2013.03.008
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2013....
. It was determined that music-based interventions, which are safe and easy to apply, can effectively improve sleep quality among older adults who listen to soothing music for at least 4 weeks55. Chen CT, Tung HH, Fang CJ, Wang JL, Ko NY, Chang YJ, et al. Effect of music therapy on improving sleep quality in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021;69(7):1925-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149
https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149...
. The results of studies conducted with students, pregnant women, and burn patients showed that music significantly increased sleep quality2020. Liu YH, Lee CS, Yu CH, Chen CH. Effects of music listening on stress, anxiety, and sleep quality for sleep-disturbed pregnant women. Women Health. 2016;56(3):296-311. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2015.1088116
https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2015.10...

21. Kavurmaci M, Dayapoğlu N, Tan M. Effect of music therapy on sleep quality. Altern Ther Health Med. 2020;26(4):22-6. PMID: 31221932
-2222. Ardabili FM, Abdi S, Ghezeljeh TN, Hosseini AF, Teymoori A. Evaluation of the effects of patient-selected music therapy on the sleep quality and pain intensity of burn patients. Med Surg Nurs J. 2016;5(2):27-34.. Another randomized controlled study revealed that music applied for 4 weeks provided significant improvements in sleep quality in adults with depression, and the improvement in sleep quality scores decreased 4 weeks after the end of the music intervention. Music has been suggested as a safe and effective sleep aid in insomnia associated with depression1111. Lund HN, Pedersen IN, Heymann-Szlachcinska AM, Tuszewska M, Bizik G, Larsen JI, et al. Music to improve sleep quality in adults with depression-related insomnia (MUSTAFI): randomized controlled trial. Nord J Psychiatry. 2023;77(2):188-97. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2022.2080254
https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2022.20...
. This result showed that a 5-week music intervention is an effective method of increasing sleep quality in menopausal women.

Our study revealed that the menopause symptoms of the participants in the intervention group decreased significantly. Similar results were obtained in a recent study conducted with menopausal women in Turkey33. Koçak DY, Varişoğlu Y. The effect of music therapy on menopausal symptoms and depression: a randomized-controlled study. Menopause. 2022;29(5):545-52. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001941
https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.000000000000...
. In a study, a music-based program designed to teach brisk breathing to reduce hot flashes had no effect on hot flashes2323. Burns DS, Drews MR, Carpenter JS. Description of an audio-based paced respiration intervention for vasomotor symptoms. Music Med. 2013;5(1):8-14. https://doi.org/10.1177/1943862112470461
https://doi.org/10.1177/1943862112470461...
. A meta-analysis study that investigated the effects of meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation to treat vasomotor symptoms reported that brisk breathing did not have a significant effect on the frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms, and that various relaxation and mindfulness interventions had no effect on vasomotor symptoms2424. Goldstein KM, Shepherd-Banigan M, Coeytaux RR, McDuffie JR, Adam S, Befus D, et al. Use of mindfulness, meditation and relaxation to treat vasomotor symptoms. Climacteric. 2017;20(2):178-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2017.1283685
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2017.12...
. A review study that examined the effects of non-pharmacological therapies in the management of vasomotor symptoms of menopause in breast cancer survivors stated that cognitive behavioral therapies reduce the perceived effect of hot flashes and night sweats, and yoga and acupuncture can reduce the frequency of vasomotor symptoms2525. Deshpande S, Kulkarni CA, Wadhokar OC, Naqvi WM, Phansopkar P, Arora SP. A community survey on effect of step aerobic exercises and music therapy on mental health in menopausal women. J Med Pharm Allied Sci. 2021;(10)4:3300-3. https://doi.org/10.22270/jmpas.V10I4.1306
https://doi.org/10.22270/jmpas.V10I4.130...
. This study showed that music intervention for 5 weeks was effective in reducing menopausal symptoms.

The menopausal transition is a critical period when women are more sensitive to mood changes and the onset of depressive symptoms2626. Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Sorpreso ICE, Rebouças CMP, Bezerra PCL, Costa LMPRD, Baracat EC, et al. Depression in women in climacteric period: a brief review. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023;69(7):e20230385. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.20230385
https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.202303...
. Treating sleep disorders, vasomotor symptoms, and urogenital symptoms not only alleviates these issues but also has a positive impact on mood and cognitive symptoms2626. Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Sorpreso ICE, Rebouças CMP, Bezerra PCL, Costa LMPRD, Baracat EC, et al. Depression in women in climacteric period: a brief review. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023;69(7):e20230385. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.20230385
https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.202303...
. A meta-analysis study highlights that depression is quite common in menopausal women and underlines the importance of developing effective treatments11 Zeng LN, Yang Y, Feng Y, Cui X, Wang R, Hall BJ, et al. The prevalence of depression in menopausal women in China: a meta-analysis of observational studies. J Affect Disord. 2019;256:337-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.017
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.01...
. Deshpande et al., reported that step aerobics, music, or both can be equally effective in improving the mental health of postmenopausal women2525. Deshpande S, Kulkarni CA, Wadhokar OC, Naqvi WM, Phansopkar P, Arora SP. A community survey on effect of step aerobic exercises and music therapy on mental health in menopausal women. J Med Pharm Allied Sci. 2021;(10)4:3300-3. https://doi.org/10.22270/jmpas.V10I4.1306
https://doi.org/10.22270/jmpas.V10I4.130...
. Mo et al., found that classical music therapy 30 min before going to bed for 4 weeks was significantly effective in relieving depression in peri-menopausal women2727. Mo M, Jang H. Effect of the music therapy for peri–menopausal women. Int J Consult Psychol Patients. 2018;2(1):1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.21742/ijcpp.2018.2.1.01
https://doi.org/10.21742/ijcpp.2018.2.1....
. A meta-analysis found that music therapy was significantly effective in reducing depressive symptoms in adults with depression2828. Zhao K, Bai ZG, Bo A, Chi I. A systematic review and meta-analysis of music therapy for the older adults with depression. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2016;31(11):1188-98. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.4494
https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.4494...
. Our study found that music intervention applied to women in the menopausal period was effective in reducing depression levels.

Considering that women spend approximately one-third of their lives in the menopausal period due to increased life expectancy, non-pharmacological and side-effect-free methods such as music can be considered an alternative approach to traditional treatments for reducing somatic, psychological, and urogenital symptoms, sleep problems, and depression in menopausal women1818. Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Raimundo RD, Silva Noll PRE, Santos WS, Leone C, Baracat EC, et al. Postmenopausal women’s cognitive function and performance of virtual reality tasks. Climacteric. 2023;26(5):445-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2023.2190511
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2023.21...
,2626. Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Sorpreso ICE, Rebouças CMP, Bezerra PCL, Costa LMPRD, Baracat EC, et al. Depression in women in climacteric period: a brief review. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023;69(7):e20230385. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.20230385
https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.202303...
. Healthcare professionals who support women during the menopausal period can offer personalized lifestyle changes, such as incorporating music, as an effective coping strategy through a multidisciplinary team approach1717. Soares Júnior JM, Lopes RD, Sorpreso ICE, Baracat EC. Women health: holistic view. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023;69(Suppl. 1):e2023S127. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.2023S127
https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.2023S1...
,2626. Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Sorpreso ICE, Rebouças CMP, Bezerra PCL, Costa LMPRD, Baracat EC, et al. Depression in women in climacteric period: a brief review. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023;69(7):e20230385. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.20230385
https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.202303...
. In today’s world, the use of digital health is transforming the healthcare provider–patient relationship by enhancing clinical practices2929. Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Noll PRES, Raimundo RD, Gonçalves GL, Urso EME, Bech GD, et al. Use of interventions involving virtual reality tasks during the climacteric: a systematic review. Climacteric. 2022;25(6):543-51. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2022.2088275
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2022.20...
. In this context, our study is highly important as it demonstrates that the utilization of technological advancements such as mobile applications and Internet connectivity assists in achieving positive health outcomes by helping to alleviate issues during the menopausal period.

Limitations

First, the results cannot be generalized to all menopausal women owing to the single-centered nature of the study. Second, the participants were asked to listen to the music with a headset. Some of the participants stated that they were uncomfortable using headphones. This may have affected our results.

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, it can be stated that the music intervention applied to menopausal women reduced their depression levels and menopausal symptoms and increased their sleep quality. In this context, it is recommended to increase the awareness of health professionals working in the field of women’s health, especially nurses, about music intervention. In addition, considering the advantages of music such as low cost and no side effects, it is thought that it should be offered routinely, especially within the scope of nursing care interventions. Future studies may investigate the long-term effects of music and evaluate music genres making a comparison between them.

ETHICAL APPROVAL

Ethics committee permission was obtained from the Karabuk University Ethical Committee with the number 2022/1017 and the date 04.07.2022.

REFERENCES

  • 1
    Zeng LN, Yang Y, Feng Y, Cui X, Wang R, Hall BJ, et al. The prevalence of depression in menopausal women in China: a meta-analysis of observational studies. J Affect Disord. 2019;256:337-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.017
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2019.06.017
  • 2.
    Djapardy V, Panay N. Alternative and non-hormonal treatments to symptoms of menopause. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2022;81:45-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2021.09.012
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2021.09.012
  • 3.
    Koçak DY, Varişoğlu Y. The effect of music therapy on menopausal symptoms and depression: a randomized-controlled study. Menopause. 2022;29(5):545-52. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001941
    » https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001941
  • 4.
    Johnson A, Roberts L, Elkins G. Complementary and alternative medicine for menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019;24:2515690X19829380. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X19829380
    » https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X19829380
  • 5.
    Chen CT, Tung HH, Fang CJ, Wang JL, Ko NY, Chang YJ, et al. Effect of music therapy on improving sleep quality in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021;69(7):1925-32. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17149
  • 6.
    Kim MJ, Yim G, Park HY. Vasomotor and physical menopausal symptoms are associated with sleep quality. PLoS One. 2018;13(2):e0192934. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192934
    » https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192934
  • 7.
    Tang NK, Lereya ST, Boulton H, Miller MA, Wolke D, Cappuccio FP. Nonpharmacological treatments of insomnia for long-term painful conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis of patient-reported outcomes in randomized controlled trials. Sleep. 2015;38(11):1751-64. https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.5158
    » https://doi.org/10.5665/sleep.5158
  • 8.
    Vinayak S, Farnaz D, Vinayak R. The effect of music therapy on sleep quality of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy: a randomized control trial. J Soc Sci. 2017;6(4):734-43. https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2017.6.4.734.743
    » https://doi.org/10.25255/jss.2017.6.4.734.743
  • 9.
    İçel S, Başoğul C. Effects of progressive muscle relaxation training with music therapy on sleep and anger of patients at community mental health center. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021;43:101338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101338
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101338
  • 10.
    Rahbar A, Firouzkouhi M, Rahnama M, Abdollahimohammad A. Effect of nature sounds on stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in type ii diabetes. J Diabetes Nurs. 2021;9(4):1718-27.
  • 11.
    Lund HN, Pedersen IN, Heymann-Szlachcinska AM, Tuszewska M, Bizik G, Larsen JI, et al. Music to improve sleep quality in adults with depression-related insomnia (MUSTAFI): randomized controlled trial. Nord J Psychiatry. 2023;77(2):188-97. https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2022.2080254
    » https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2022.2080254
  • 12.
    Robb SL, Burns DS, Carpenter JS. Reporting guidelines for music-based interventions. J Health Psychol. 2011;16(2):342-52. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105310374781
    » https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105310374781
  • 13.
    Wang Q, Chair SY, Wong EM, Li X. The effects of music intervention on sleep quality in community-dwelling elderly. J Altern Complement Med. 2016;22(7):576-84. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0304
    » https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2015.0304
  • 14.
    Metintas S, Arýkan I, Kalyoncu C, Ozalp S. Menopause rating scale as a screening tool in rural Turkey. Rural Remote Health. 2010;10(1):1230. PMID: 20356316
  • 15.
    Hisli N. A reliability and validity study of Beck depression inventory in a university student sample. J Psychol. 1989;7:3-13.
  • 16.
    Agargun MY. Pittsburgh uyku kalitesi indeksinin gecerligi ve guvenirligi. Turk Psikiyatri Derg. 1996;7:107-15.
  • 17.
    Soares Júnior JM, Lopes RD, Sorpreso ICE, Baracat EC. Women health: holistic view. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023;69(Suppl. 1):e2023S127. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.2023S127
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.2023S127
  • 18.
    Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Raimundo RD, Silva Noll PRE, Santos WS, Leone C, Baracat EC, et al. Postmenopausal women’s cognitive function and performance of virtual reality tasks. Climacteric. 2023;26(5):445-54. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2023.2190511
    » https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2023.2190511
  • 19.
    Wang CF, Sun YL, Zang HX. Music therapy improves sleep quality in acute and chronic sleep disorders: a meta-analysis of 10 randomized studies. Int J Nurs Stud. 2014;51(1):51-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2013.03.008
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2013.03.008
  • 20.
    Liu YH, Lee CS, Yu CH, Chen CH. Effects of music listening on stress, anxiety, and sleep quality for sleep-disturbed pregnant women. Women Health. 2016;56(3):296-311. https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2015.1088116
    » https://doi.org/10.1080/03630242.2015.1088116
  • 21.
    Kavurmaci M, Dayapoğlu N, Tan M. Effect of music therapy on sleep quality. Altern Ther Health Med. 2020;26(4):22-6. PMID: 31221932
  • 22.
    Ardabili FM, Abdi S, Ghezeljeh TN, Hosseini AF, Teymoori A. Evaluation of the effects of patient-selected music therapy on the sleep quality and pain intensity of burn patients. Med Surg Nurs J. 2016;5(2):27-34.
  • 23.
    Burns DS, Drews MR, Carpenter JS. Description of an audio-based paced respiration intervention for vasomotor symptoms. Music Med. 2013;5(1):8-14. https://doi.org/10.1177/1943862112470461
    » https://doi.org/10.1177/1943862112470461
  • 24.
    Goldstein KM, Shepherd-Banigan M, Coeytaux RR, McDuffie JR, Adam S, Befus D, et al. Use of mindfulness, meditation and relaxation to treat vasomotor symptoms. Climacteric. 2017;20(2):178-82. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2017.1283685
    » https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2017.1283685
  • 25.
    Deshpande S, Kulkarni CA, Wadhokar OC, Naqvi WM, Phansopkar P, Arora SP. A community survey on effect of step aerobic exercises and music therapy on mental health in menopausal women. J Med Pharm Allied Sci. 2021;(10)4:3300-3. https://doi.org/10.22270/jmpas.V10I4.1306
    » https://doi.org/10.22270/jmpas.V10I4.1306
  • 26.
    Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Sorpreso ICE, Rebouças CMP, Bezerra PCL, Costa LMPRD, Baracat EC, et al. Depression in women in climacteric period: a brief review. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023;69(7):e20230385. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.20230385
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9282.20230385
  • 27.
    Mo M, Jang H. Effect of the music therapy for peri–menopausal women. Int J Consult Psychol Patients. 2018;2(1):1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.21742/ijcpp.2018.2.1.01
    » https://doi.org/10.21742/ijcpp.2018.2.1.01
  • 28.
    Zhao K, Bai ZG, Bo A, Chi I. A systematic review and meta-analysis of music therapy for the older adults with depression. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2016;31(11):1188-98. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.4494
    » https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.4494
  • 29.
    Zangirolami-Raimundo J, Noll PRES, Raimundo RD, Gonçalves GL, Urso EME, Bech GD, et al. Use of interventions involving virtual reality tasks during the climacteric: a systematic review. Climacteric. 2022;25(6):543-51. https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2022.2088275
    » https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2022.2088275
  • Funding: none.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    22 Jan 2024
  • Date of issue
    2024

History

  • Received
    07 Oct 2023
  • Accepted
    16 Oct 2023
Associação Médica Brasileira R. São Carlos do Pinhal, 324, 01333-903 São Paulo SP - Brazil, Tel: +55 11 3178-6800, Fax: +55 11 3178-6816 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: ramb@amb.org.br