Cartoons and mobile games to ease preoperative anxiety in children with appendicitis

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The study compares three groups: cartoon distraction, mobile game distraction, and routine preoperative care in hospitalized children with appendicitis. Children receive a 10-minute distraction before surgery, and anxiety and fear are measured before and after the intervention with validated scales. The goal is to determine if simple, non-drug distractions can lessen perioperative distress and support atraumatic care. The trial is conducted at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital with collaboration from Ankara Yildirim Beyazıt University.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Being hospitalized in the Pediatric Surgery Service with a diagnosis of appendicitis.
* Being between the ages of 7 and 12 years.
* Voluntary consent/assent from both the child and their parents to participate in the study.
* Absence of any visual, auditory, or cognitive problems that prevent communication.
* Not having received any analgesics before the intervention.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Refusal to participate in the study voluntarily.
* Having a condition that prevents communication due to vision, hearing, speech, or mental health status.
* Being in an agitated state or unable to cooperate.
* Having received analgesics due to pain before the study.

Where it's running

• Ankara Bilkent City Hospital
  Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Eda Emine Yetkin, MSc Student
• Email: edaayetkinn@outlook.com
• Phone: +905 30 137 58 79

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.