The effectiveness of using animal-themed vacutainers to reduce pain and fear in children during bloodletting

Abstract

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the effects of vacutainers of three different animal characters on pain and fear in children during bloodletting.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial included 180 children between the ages of 4 and 7 years who required bloodletting for routine control. Children were randomized into two groups: experimental and control groups. Routine bloodletting procedure was applied to those in the control group. Animal characters (butterfly, peacock and rabbit) chosen by children in the experimental group was attached to the vacutainer, and then their blood was drawn. The data were obtained by face-to-face interviews with the child, parent and observer before and after the procedure. Children’s pain and fear/anxiety levels were evaluated using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Scale and the Children’s Fear Scale, respectively.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the groups’ pre-test scores with respect to age, BMI, gender, fear/anxiety assessments of the child, parent, and observer. Children in the experimental group had significantly lower pain and fear/anxiety levels after the procedure compared to those in the control group(p < 0.000).

Conclusions

Animal characters (butterfly, peacock and rabbit) attached to the vacutainer is effective in reducing both fear and pain levels in children during bloodletting.