The Effect of a Music-Assisted Mandala Intervention on Psychological Well-being and Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Cancer is one of the most significant global health issues of our time. Chemotherapy, one of the methods used to treat cancer, not only treats the disease but also causes numerous physiological and psychological side effects that adversely affect quality of life. It has been reported that treatment adherence problems are more common in patients with a high symptom burden associated with these side effects. For this reason, it is crucial that patients have achieved psychological adaptation to their condition and treatment in order for the treatment to be effective, to ensure that toxicity is kept under control, and to ensure that the course of the disease progresses favourably. In cases of illness and failure to adhere to treatment, this can lead to unnecessary visits to the doctor, visits to A\&E, hospitalisation, and an increase in the use of healthcare services and associated costs; it may also result in the development of treatment resistance, an increased burden on patients and carers, disease progression, and even death. Various non-pharmacological approaches, such as exercise, expressing emotions and art therapy, can be used to ensure the patient's adherence to treatment. It has been reported that mandala practice, a form of art therapy, reduces anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and stress. In light of this information, the aim of this study is to assess the effect of mandala practice on psychological adjustment to the disease and treatment, and on quality of life, in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* patients who have been diagnosed with cancer,
* aged 18 or over,
* receiving chemotherapy for the first time,
* able to hold a pen,
* agreed to take part in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Decline to participate in the study or do not provide written informed consent.
* Have physical conditions that would prevent participation in the mandala intervention (e.g., severe pain, severe nausea, or severe vomiting).
* Have mental health conditions or cognitive impairment that limit their ability to communicate or participate in the intervention.
* Experience fatigue primarily due to causes other than chemotherapy (e.g., severe anemia with hemoglobin \< 9 g/dL).
* Are unable to hold or use a pen to complete the mandala activity.