Effects of White and Pink Noise Applied Before and During Colonoscopy on Pain and Anxiety

Effects of White and Pink Noise Applied Before and During Colonoscopy on Pain and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of endoscopic procedures due to the increase in diseases. Colonoscopy is widely used in the screening and diagnosis of many diseases, especially colorectal cancer. However, colonoscopy is perceived as an invasive, painful and uncomfortable procedure by patients. Moreover, it can cause pain associated with embarrassment, fear, anxiety and physical and emotional discomfort.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of white and pink noise applied before and during colonoscopy on pain and anxiety levels of patients. Colonoscopy is a widely used method in colon cancer screening and diagnosis and treatment of lower gastrointestinal system diseases; however, pain may occur in patients due to mesenteric distension and spasms during the procedure. In addition, many patients experience moderate anxiety during the procedure. Since pharmacological pain and anxiety management strategies may lead to some complications, in recent years, there has been an increase in the use of non-pharmacological methods such as music, video, virtual reality and distraction techniques. One of these methods, sound therapy, provides relaxation by directing the individual's attention to positive emotions. While white noise is a constant-intensity sound similar to the sound of the ocean or wind, pink noise resembles rain or rustling leaves with its lower frequency and soothing properties. There are a limited number of studies in the literature examining the effects of white and pink noise, but there is no study evaluating both types of noise together in colonoscopy patients. In order to fill this gap, the effects of white and pink noise on pain and anxiety are comparatively examined in this study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteering to participate in the study,

  • Being over 18 years old,
  • The patient should not have a hearing and visual problem,
  • Being conscious, oriented and cooperative

Exclusion Criteria:

• The patient's use of anxiolytics or analgesics on the day of the procedure,
• The patient's diagnosis of any psychiatric / neurological disease,
• The patient's preference for general anesthesia will be considered as exclusion criteria.