The effect of music interventions on anxiety, fear, and pain in hospitalized children: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hospitalisation can evoke high levels of anxiety, fear, and pain in children, affecting their psychological well-being and recovery. PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of music interventions in reducing anxiety, fear, and pain among hospitalized children. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Twelve randomized controlled trials published between 2018 and 2024 were included. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated for post-intervention outcomes. RESULTS: Music interventions significantly reduced anxiety (SMD: -1.01, 95 % CI [-1.35, -0.67]), fear (SMD: -1.19, 95 % CI [-2.28, -0.09]), and pain (SMD: -1.08, 95 % CI [-2.14, -0.03]) levels. Effect sizes were large across all outcomes, though heterogeneity was moderate to high. No adverse effects were reported in any of the included studies. CONCLUSIONS: Music interventions are effective in reducing emotional and physical distress in hospitalized children and should be considered as safe and practical adjuncts to pediatric care. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE: Music interventions can be effectively integrated into pediatric nursing practice as supportive strategies to reduce children's anxiety, fear, and pain during medical procedures. Nurses should consider incorporating evidence-based music approaches tailored to individual preferences to enhance comfort and emotional well-being in clinical settings.