Quality of pediatric nursing care is effective in reducing fears of nursing interventions and materials used in hospitalized children: Results of a clinic-based study

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the perceived quality of nursing care and levels of fear in hospitalized children regarding nursing interventions and materials.

Design and methods

The study was conducted with 182 hospitalized children between January and September 2024 at two regional hospitals in Antalya, Türkiye. Data were collected using a descriptive information form, the Scale Evaluation Quality of Care from Children's Point of View and, Scale Development of Fear in Children Against Nursing Interventions and Used Materials. Descriptive statistical methods were applied for data analysis. Regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of quality of nursing care. This cross-sectional study followed the STROBE checklist.

Results

This study revealed that children's perception of quality of care was moderate (44.15 ± 8.95), while their fear of nursing interventions and used materials was below average (32.88 ± 10.50). Children hospitalized for 10 days or more reported significantly higher perceptions of the quality of nursing care (48.13 ± 9.70, F = 7.696, p = 0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between the quality of nursing care and children's fear of interventions and used materials (r = −0.362, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings suggest a moderate relationship between quality of nursing care and children's fear of nursing interventions and used materials.

Practice implications

From the perspective of hospitalized children, high perceived quality of nursing care and longer hospital stays (10 days or more) were associated with reduced fear of nursing interventions and used materials.