The Effectiveness of Qur’an Recitation Therapy and Aromatherapy on Cancer Patients’ Stress Level in Abdul Wahab Sjahranie Hospital Samarinda, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer is a disease that not only causes physical trauma but also affects mental health. Feelings of anx- iety and fear of undergoing therapy can trigger stress that causes cancer to get worsened. Qur’an recitation therapy and aromatherapy are considered to have two positive effects that can reduce stress levels in patients. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of Qur’an recitation on reducing stress levels in cancer patients. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental research with one group of pre-test and post-test without control design on 50 cancer patients in the chemotherapy unit of Abdul Wahab Sjahranie Hospital. Interventions are in the form of three therapy sessions of Qur’an recitation and aromatherapy, 30 minutes for each session. Measurements were carried out 4 times, one pre- test and three post-tests using questionnaires adapted from DASS. Data then were analyzed using the Friedman Test. Results: There is a decrease stress level in the four groups of measurement time intervals (p <0.0001; χ2 = 143.383> 7.815). These results indicate that Qur’an recitation therapy and aromatherapy may be effective in lowering cancer patients’ stress levels. Conclusion: Hospital is recommended to facilitate cancer patients to access complementary and alternative medicine such as Qur’an recitation therapy and aromatherapy.