Hand puppets versus image viewing and coloring books to reduce pain and fear during children's blood draws
A Comparison of the Use of Hand Puppets and Image Watching and Coloring Books for Children in Reducing Pain and Fear During Blood Collection Procedures
This will test whether using a hand puppet or letting 3- to 6-year-old children look at and color pictures helps them feel less pain and fear during a blood draw.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Artvin Coruh University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kilis, Central) |
| Trial ID | NCT07044713 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Ninety children aged 3–6 who come in for a single blood collection are randomly assigned to one of three groups: hand puppet, viewing and coloring images, or usual care (control). Children are assessed before, during, and after the procedure using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale for pain and the Child Fear Scale for fear. Demographic information is recorded on an information form and analyses compare scores across the three groups. The procedures take place at a single hospital site in Kilis, Turkey.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children aged 3–6 scheduled for a single blood draw, without chronic illness or visual/auditory/speech disorders, who are able to communicate and are accompanied by a parent.
Not a fit: Children with chronic diseases, visual/auditory or speech disorders, recent sedative/analgesic/narcotic use within 24 hours, those outside the 3–6 age range, or whose parents do not consent are unlikely to be included or to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these low-cost distraction methods could reduce pain and fear during blood draws and make the experience easier for young children.
How similar studies have performed: Other pediatric studies using distraction techniques like puppets, videos, or coloring have shown moderate success in reducing needle-related pain and fear, so this approach builds on existing evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between 3-6 years old * Taking blood samples at once * No visual-auditory and speech disorders * Being open to communication and * Being accompanied by a parent. Exclusion Criteria: * Having a chronic disease * Having a visual-auditory and speech disorder * History of sedative, analgesic or narcotic substance use within 24 hours before admission * Children whose parents do not agree to participate in the study.
Where this trial is running
Kilis, Central
- Kilis Prof. Dr. Alaeddin Yavaşca State Hospital — Kilis, Central, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gamze AKAY, 1 — Artvin Coruh University
- Study coordinator: Gamze AKAY, 1
- Email: gamzeakay_25@artvin.edu.tr
- Phone: +905314536661
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.