EFFECT OF THE HOLY QURAN RECITATION ON THE PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES IN PREMATURE INFANTS

Background: Premature infants are particularly susceptible to physiological instability due to underdeveloped organ systems, often requiring supportive interventions to regulate vital functions. In recent years, non-pharmacological therapies such as auditory stimulation have gained attention for their potential to promote relaxation and autonomic regulation. Among these, Quranic recitation—recognized for its rhythmic and soothing qualities—has emerged as a culturally meaningful approach to improving neonatal cardiorespiratory outcomes. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Quranic recitation therapy on physiological parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation in premature infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: This quasi-experimental pre-post study was conducted at the NICU of Combined Military Hospital, Multan, from 6 November 2024 to 6 April 2025. A total of 56 premature infants, with a mean age of 12.5 ± 4.3 days and mean gestational age of 32.4 ± 2.1 weeks, were enrolled using consecutive non-probability sampling. Physiological parameters were recorded before, during, and after a 20-minute daily Quranic recitation (Surah Ar-Rahman) session for three consecutive days. Measurements were taken using standardized NICU monitors and analyzed via paired t-tests and subgroup stratifications using SPSS version 23. Results: Heart rate decreased significantly from 148.3 ± 12.4 bpm to 139.7 ± 9.6 bpm (p < 0.001), respiratory rate declined from 48.4 ± 16.2 to 41.8 ± 10.2 breaths/min (p < 0.001), and oxygen saturation increased from 94.2 ± 2.3% to 96.5 ± 1.7% (p < 0.001). No significant change was observed in temperature (36.8 ± 0.4°C to 36.9 ± 0.3°C; p = 0.12). Greater improvements were noted in infants with gestational age ≥32 weeks and birth weight ≥1500g. Conclusion: Quranic recitation therapy significantly enhances physiological stability in premature neonates, especially those with higher maturity levels, and may serve as an effective, non-invasive adjunct in neonatal care.