Hand puppets versus image viewing and coloring books to reduce pain and fear during children's blood draws
Official title: 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
Run by Artvin Coruh University · NCT07044713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Artvin Coruh University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kilis, Central) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2025 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | July 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07044713 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.