Effect of an Active Distraction Method for Pediatric Venipuncture Related Pain and Anxiety

Abstract

Needle-associated fear and pain in children can lead to poor health consequences and lower uptake rates of medical services. Information and distraction are significant methods in reducing pain and anxiety in children. We aimed to evaluate the effects of giving information and an active distraction method for pediatric venipuncture -related pain and anxiety in 3-8 years old children. Children were randomized into three groups as the control, the informed, the informed and distracted. Fear and pain experience were found to be significantly lower in the informed and distracted group rather than the control and the informed group according to the parents/caregivers. Fear and pain experience were similarly found to be significantly lower in the informed and distracted group than the other groups according to the independent observer. Informing, preparing, coping, distracting methods should be used before, during, and after the invasive procedures to reduce children's pain and anxiety.