The effect of BGM on patients' mood change while staying in a pharmacy's lounge

Abstract

In order to examine the effects of music on mood, we administered a survey to patients awaiting the preparation of their prescription medicines in pharmacy lounges. Two pharmacies took part in this study, both of which are in a metropolitan area treating fewer than 100 prescription sheets per day. Two hundred and fifty-two patients were divided into two groups: One group listened to background music (BGM) while waiting (n=111) and the other did not listen to BGM (n=119). The questionnaire included items assessing mood, present state of health, and demographic information like gender and age. Afterexcluding incomplete questionnaires, 230 patients were included in our final sample for further statistical analysis. BGM was involved in decreasing feelings of fatigue and increasing feelings of vigor in patients with poorer health. This trend was more evident in female patients than in male patients. Using multiple regression analysis, we found that, in addition to BGM, environmental factors such as light level and noise level significantly affected mood. In conclusion, BGM alleviates uncomfortablemoods caused by illness, particularly among females in poor health. © 2014 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.