Effect of music selection on anxiety during intravitreal injections for individuals of varying ethnicity.

Purpose: To investigate music selection as a treatment for anxiety during intravitreal injections (IVI) for individuals of varying cultures.Methods: A randomized control study was performed to evaluate the effect of music in 3 different subject groups. 106 individuals were enrolled in the study. Individuals were randomized into one of three categories: (1) a control group in which the IVI procedure was performed without music (n=35), (2) an experimental group in which music was selected by the physician (n=36), (3) an experimental group in which music was selected by the patient (n=35). Following the procedure, all patients completed a questionnaire regarding their level of experienced anxiety, pain and discomfort (grade 0-10). The primary outcome was anxiety level during the procedure.Results: Although no statistically significant difference in anxiety levels between groups was demonstrable, the experimental group in which patients selected music had higher number of patients with low anxiety scores compared to the other groups (p=0.04). Subjects who completed the questionnaire in Arabic were less likely to desire music on subsequent injections compare to Hebrew and English speakers (p=0.02). Music was deemed by both experimental groups as an effective method to induce relaxation (6.5±3.8 and 7.2±3.7). Preference for music on subsequent injections was increased in both experimental groups compared to the control group (P<0.01), but more prominently in the third group (P<0.01).Conclusion: Music selection may be an effective way to reduce anxiety levels during IVI. Preference for music during IVI may be influenced by culture and previous music exposure.