The effect of using A stress ball accompanied by music during the colonoscopy procedure on pain, anxiety and perception of the procedure

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of using a stress ball accompanied by music during a colonoscopy procedure on pain, anxiety, and perception of the procedure.This research, designed as a randomized controlled experimental study in a pre-test post-test design, was conducted in the Endoscopy Colonoscopy ERCP unit of Malatya Education and Research Hospital between August 2024 and August 2025. One hundred patients who met the inclusion criteria for the study were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=50) and control (n=50) groups. The intervention group was given light music and a stress ball throughout the colonoscopy, starting 10 minutes before the procedure, and the control group was not given any intervention. Data were collected with the Patient Identification Form, Visual Analogue Scale, State Trait Anxiety Scale, Procedure Perception Form and Satisfaction Form; and analyzed with appropriate statistical tests.There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of pain and anxiety levels before the procedure (p>0.05). After the procedure, pain and anxiety levels decreased significantly in the intervention group, while they increased in the control group (p<0.001). While the participants in the intervention group evaluated the procedure as shorter and more tolerable, it was determined that the procedure was perceived as more difficult and less tolerable in the control group (p<0.01). Approximately 96% of the participants reported that they were satisfied with the application.The use of a stress ball with music during colonoscopy has been determined to reduce pain and anxiety, positively affect the perception of the procedure and increase patient satisfaction. It is recommended that this practice be integrated into nursing care.