2.3. Statistical Methods
fatigue, anxiety, pain, post-Apache, depression
MINOR
Descriptive statistics were used to show participant characteristics. All data were checked for normality using Q-Q plots and Shapiro–Wilk testing. Given that the data were not normally distributed, non-parametric descriptive statistics (i.e., median values and interquartile ranges) and tests were used throughout the study. Patients’ pre- and post-Apache Scores, VAS (visual analogue scale) scores and HADS (hospital anxiety and depression scale) were compared using Wilcoxon-signed tests. Regarding the section on sleep, we calculated the average values of the three questions from both patient and caregiver questionnaires examining the effect of ambient noise on rest, sleep, and fatigue. In the section on pain, we calculated the average values for two questions: one regarding major procedures and the other minor procedures experienced by patients and observed by caregivers. Noise and music conditions were compared using Mann–Whitney-U tests or a Kruskal–Wallis test where appropriate. Effect sizes according to Cohen’s delta were calculated and interpreted as follows: 0.2 was considered small, 0.5 medium and 0.8 large.