Patient Perspectives and Satisfaction following a Short-term singing Intervention in Systemic Sclerosis Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Pasinee Srinithiwat, MD1, Chingching Foocharoen, MD1, Ajanee Mahakkanukrauh, MD1, Tippawan Onchan, MD1, Patnarin Pongkulkiat, MD1, Orathai Wantha, RN2, Siraphop Suwannaroj, MD1
Affiliation : 1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 2Division of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background: Singing may have the potential to enhance emotional and physical health and contribute to the growing field of non pharmacological interventions in rheumatic diseases. However, data on the outcomes of music therapy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) are limited.
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of singing interventions on patient perspectives and satisfaction among individuals with SSc.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult SSc patients followed-up at the Scleroderma Clinic, Khon Kaen University. Patients participated in a singing session between September 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023 and completed evaluation forms both before and after the singing were included.
Results: A total of 166 patients participated in the singing session, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.9:1. The mean age and mean disease duration were 60.3±10.3 years and 8.2±6.9 years, respectively. The majority of patients had the diffuse cutaneous SSc subset (69.9%). Eighty patients completed the evaluation form, reporting that singing reduced breathing difficulty (18.8%) and decreased concern about SSc (5%), while increasing stress relief (3.8%) and improving lung function (3.8%). Additionally, 12.5% of participants reported enjoying the singing session, and 16.3% expressed a desire to continue singing in the long term. None of the participants reported feeling exhausted from singing.
Conclusion: Singing may positively influence patient perspectives and satisfaction by providing stress relief, serving as a joyful activity, and acting as a breathing exercise for SSc patients. It represents a non-invasive, non-pharmacological approach to improving both physical and psychological outcomes in these patients.
Keywords : Systemic sclerosis; Scleroderma and related disorders; Breathing exercise; Patients perspective; Stress; Depression
