Quran Recitation: Short-Term Effects and Related Factors in Preterm Newborns

The effects of Holy Quran recitation on anxiety and vital signs in adults have been reported in several studies in Iran but have not been studied in preterm newborns. In a randomized controlled trial, 120 preterm newborns in a teaching hospital were randomly allocated to either a control or experimental group. Quran recitation by Shahhat Mohammad Anvar played via headphones with a volume range of 50-60 db in the experimental group. The two groups were surveyed for short term physiological responses at minute 10 and 20 of intervention also minute 10 post intervention. Between two groups, statistically significant differences were observed in respiratory rate and oxygen saturation during three time points but difference in heart rate was seen only at minute 10 post intervention (p = 0.012). All three variables in experimental group were significantly different in three time points (p<0.0001). Gender, gestational age and neonate weight were factors that decreased respiratory rate. Holy Quran recitation can be considered a complementary and supportive care for preterm newborns whereas gender, gestational age and neonate weight were related factors in response to the Holy Quran recitation.