NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO MANAGING PREOPERATIVE ANXIETY IN CAESAREAN SECTION PATIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Preoperative anxiety is a common psychological response experienced by patients before undergoing surgery, including caesarean sections. This emotional condition can lead to negative physiological effects, increased surgical risk, and delayed recovery. Pharmacological treatments are often used but may cause side effects, making them less ideal for long-term or preventive use. In contrast, non-pharmacological therapies offer safer, more holistic alternatives that support both physical and emotional readiness for surgery. This study aims to explore the effectiveness of various non-pharmacological interventions in reducing anxiety among patients scheduled for caesarean section. A literature review was conducted by analyzing journal articles published between 2019 and 2024, obtained through Google Scholar, and Publish or Perish. After screening based on relevance, language, content, and publication year, six full-text articles were selected. The analysis revealed that guided imagery, music therapy, lemon verbena aromatherapy, and murottal Qur'an recitation significantly reduced preoperative anxiety. These interventions also showed beneficial physiological outcomes, such as reduced heart rate and blood pressure. Meanwhile, methods like chewing gum and listening to Mozart music showed minimal or no significant effect on anxiety levels. These findings highlight the potential of integrating non-pharmacological techniques into standard preoperative care, particularly in obstetric settings. The therapies are practical, low-cost, and adaptable to cultural and spiritual contexts, supporting the development of holistic and patient-centered healthcare strategies.