The Effect of Benson Relaxation and Asmaul Husna Chanting on Blood Glucose Levels in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide and remains a major public health concern due to its increasing incidence and risk of severe complications. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels may lead to cardiovascular, renal, neurological, and visual impairments. In addition to pharmacological management, complementary non-pharmacological interventions such as Benson relaxation and the chanting of Asmaul Husna may contribute to glycemic control by reducing psychological stress and promoting physiological relaxation. Aims: This study aimed to determine the effect of a combined Benson relaxation and Asmaul Husna chanting intervention on blood glucose levels among patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted at Dr. Soekardjo Regional General Hospital, Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. Twenty-one patients with diabetes mellitus were recruited using purposive sampling. Participants received a combined intervention consisting of Benson relaxation and audio-guided Asmaul Husna chanting for 20 minutes per session, three times within one week. Random blood glucose levels were measured before the first intervention and after the final session using a calibrated point-of-care testing (POCT) glucometer. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean pre-intervention blood glucose level was 310.48 ± 86.57 mg/dL, which decreased to 216.62 ± 43.04 mg/dL following the intervention. The average reduction in blood glucose level was 93.86 mg/dL. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant difference between pre- and post-intervention measurements (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The combination of Benson relaxation and Asmaul Husna chanting was effective in reducing blood glucose levels among patients with diabetes mellitus. This intervention may serve as a complementary nursing strategy to support glycemic control alongside standard medical treatment. Further studies employing larger sample sizes and controlled experimental designs are recommended to strengthen the evidence for its clinical effectiveness