Comparing the Effect of Aromatherapy and Distraction on the Pain Caused by Venipuncture in Hospitalized Children: Evidence from a Clinical Trial Study

Background: Pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory experience associated with actual or potential damage to body tissues. Therapeutic procedures cause fear in children, which in turn leads to physical and mental stress. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of aromatherapy and distraction on the pain caused by venipuncture among hospitalized children. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 90 children hospitalized in the pediatric ward of Ali-Ebne-Abitaleb Hospital in Zahedan in 2018 are examined. The eligible children were selected using the convenience sampling technique and were divided into three groups (n = 30) using stratified permuted block randomization. In the distraction group, a Kolah Ghermezi (Red Hat) puppet was used to play with the children before and during venipuncture. In the aromatherapy group, lavender essence was used 20 minutes before the beginning of venipuncture. No intervention was provided in the control group. The children’s pain intensity was measured using OUCHER standard instrument 10 minutes after the end of venipuncture. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 24 using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, and post-hoc tests analyses. Results: A significant difference was found between the two intervention groups and the control group. Accordingly, both interventions could significantly decrease the pain intensity (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two intervention groups concerning the impacts of interventions on the pain intensity. Conclusions: A significant difference was found between the two intervention groups and the control group. Accordingly, both interventions could significantly decrease the pain intensity (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two intervention groups concerning the impacts of interventions on the pain intensity.