The Effect of Music on Anxiety and Caregiver Burden in Family Caregivers of Patients With Lung Cancer

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effects of a 7-day self-selected music intervention on caregiver burden and anxiety among first-degree family caregivers of patients with lung cancer. Fifty caregivers were randomized to an intervention group (n=25), who listened to selected music for 30 minutes daily for 7 days, or a control group (n=25), who received routine care. Caregiver burden and anxiety were assessed before and after the intervention. The intervention was associated with significant reductions in caregiver burden and trait anxiety, suggesting that self-selected music may be a feasible, low-cost complementary nursing intervention for family caregivers.