Comparing the Effects of Animated Cartoons and Distraction Cards as Distraction Techniques on Venipuncture Pain Intensity in Children Aged ۳-۶: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Pain caused by invasive procedures, such as venipuncture, can unquestionably give rise to some physical, emotional, or psychological strains in children and even lead to numerous complications. Accordingly, reflecting on non-invasive pain relief techniques for this purpose is among the top priorities in nursing.Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effects of distraction techniques using animated cartoons and distraction cards on venipuncture-induced pain intensity in children.Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, a total number of ۹۰ children aged ۳-۶, were divided into three groups of “animated cartoons”, “distraction cards”, and “controls”. The intervention initially included the use of distraction techniques via displaying animated cartoons and playing with distraction cards, five minutes before blood collection until its completion in each intervention group. Then, the children’s pain intensity was measured by the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale during venipuncture. The data analyzed by Chi-square test, exact Chi-square test, ANOVA test.Results: The mean score of pain intensity reported by the children was ۴.۱±۱.۵ in the group watching animated cartoons, ۵.۷±۱.۱ in the one receiving distraction cards, and ۶.۸±۰.۱ in the controls. The ANOVA outcomes also showed a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of pain intensity in children in all groups (p=۰.۰۱۷). Moreover, the mean value of pain intensity reported by parents and observers shows significantly reduce pain intensity in children undergoing venipuncture (p=۰.۰۳۸, p=۰.۰۰۳).Conclusion: use of distraction techniques, such as displaying animated cartoons and playing with distraction cards, could effectively mitigate pain caused by Venipuncture in children aged ۳-۶.

Keywords:

Distraction , Animation Cartoons , Distraction Cards , Pain