The Effect of Two Methods of Relaxation and Prayer Therapy on Anxiety and Hope in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Quasi‑Experimental Study

Mental health problems such as anxiety and disappointment are common in patients with heart disease, resulting in poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two methods of relaxation and prayer therapy on anxiety and hope in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A quasi‑experimental study was conducted in three groups of 25 subjects (i.e., two groups of relaxation and prayer therapy and one control group) and two stages (i.e., pretest and posttest) in hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data collection instrument consisted of three parts: (a) demographic and individual characteristics of the subjects, (b) Beck Anxiety Inventory, and (c) Snyder’s Hope Scale. The interventions consisted of Benson’s relaxation and prayer therapy. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the mean score of anxiety after intervention in the three groups which was related to each of the relaxation and prayer therapy group with the control group. Also, the result of analysis of covariance with controlling the effect of pretest revealed significant between‑subject effects of interventions on posttest scores of hope (F(2, 71) = 8.55, p = 0.012, ηp2 = 0.12) and anxiety (F(2, 71) = 4.71, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.19). Both relaxation and prayer therapy interventions are effective in promoting hope and reducing anxiety in patients with CAD and provide optimal, short‑term, and easy‑to‑follow options for the health team.