Effect of Listening to Quran Recitation on the Quality of Life of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Quality of life (QoL) is not sufficiently considered in current systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treatment targets, even though it’s significantly impaired. Studies have shown that higher religiousness is associated with a higher QoL. This study aimed to determine the effect of listening to Quran recitations on the QoL of SLE patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest study design was conducted at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Participants were females aged 18 years or older with SLE, Muslim, and not experiencing hearing loss. Those who didn’t regularly listen to the Quran were assigned to the control group. The intervention group consisted of patients who had previously listened to the Quran on a more regular basis, as well as those who had not. The intervention group listened to a Quran (QS. Ar-Rahman) for a minimum duration of 15 minutes, twice daily, for 40 days. A comparison of the effects of listening to the Quran within the group was conducted using a paired T-test, with a Wilcoxon test applied when necessary. p-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 65 participants were included in the study, with 32 in the intervention group and 33 in the control group. The results indicated a significant increase in QoL in the intervention group (p=0.023). Additionally, there was a reduction in anxiety levels within the intervention group (p=0.030). Conclusion: Listening to Quran recitation can enhance QoL, while also decreasing anxiety in patients with SLE.