Dhikr therapy to reduce anxiety in patients undergoing breast tumour surgery

Abstract

Breast lumps, which can be composed of mass, fat, or fluid, are abnormal tissue growths resulting from physiological changes in the body. These lumps can be benign tumours, malignant tumours, or breast hyperplasia. Surgery to address these lumps can be a daunting experience for patients, often triggering anxiety due to concerns about potential complications and outcomes. This anxiety can affect both patients and their families. Managing preoperative anxiety is crucial to ensure patients are physically and psychologically prepared for surgery. One effective non-pharmacological approach to alleviating anxiety is dhikr therapy. By stimulating the brain to produce endorphins, dhikr therapy improves feelings of comfort, confidence, and optimism, while promoting calmness and peace. This therapy helps reduce stress and anxiety by strengthening the patient's spiritual connection. A descriptive case study applying a nursing care approach with dhikr therapy demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing anxiety in preoperative patients with breast tumours. Using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), the patient's anxiety score decreased from 16 (mild anxiety) to 7 (no anxiety) after undergoing dhikr therapy. This case highlights the potential benefits of incorporating dhikr therapy into preoperative care to alleviate anxiety in patients with breast tumours.

Keywords: Anxiety, breast tumour, complementary therapy, dhikr therapy, surgery