Making inhalation therapy less scary for preschool children using distraction
Official title: Effects of Two Different Distraction Methods on Fear and Anxiety Levels in Preschool Children Receiving Inhalation Treatment
Run by Ataturk University · NCT06874491 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether a movable 3D book or a hand puppet helps 4–6-year-olds feel less afraid and anxious during their first inhalation therapy.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 126 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ataturk University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Erzurum) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 25, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06874491 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 4–6 who are receiving inhalation therapy for the first time, have no developmental disability or chronic disease, have not used sedatives/analgesics/narcotics in the prior 24 hours, and are accompanied by a parent.
✕Probably not a fit
Children outside the 4–6 age range, those with developmental disabilities or chronic diseases, those with recent sedative/analgesic/narcotic use, or those who have previously received inhalation therapy are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from these specific distraction methods.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will compare a specially designed movable 3D book and a hand puppet as distraction methods for preschool children receiving inhalation therapy. Children aged 4–6 who receive inhalation therapy for the first time in the pediatric emergency department at Erzincan Mengücek Gazi Education and Research Hospital will be randomly assigned to one of the two intervention groups. The 3D book includes animated models of masks, nebulizers, medication vials, nurses, and the treatment environment to attract attention, while the puppet is used to provide interactive distraction during mask placement. Fear and anxiety will be measured using a questionnaire, the Child Fear Scale, and the Child Anxiety Scale-State before and after the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these low-cost distraction tools could reduce fear and anxiety during inhalation therapy and make the procedure easier for children and caregivers.
How similar studies have gone: Similar non-pharmacological distraction methods (books, puppets, and other attention-focused techniques) have previously shown benefit in reducing procedural fear and anxiety in children, so this study builds on existing positive findings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * -Being between 4-6 years old * Not having a developmental disability * Not having a history of sedative, analgesic or narcotic substance use within 24 hours before application * Receiving inhalation therapy for the first time * Not having a chronic disease * Children who are accompanied by their mother or father during the procedure will be included in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Being under 4 years old or over 6 years old * having a chronic disease
Where it's running
-
Ataturk University Nursing of Faculty
Erzurum, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Arzu Sarialioglu
- Email: arzu.celebi@atauni.edu.tr
- Phone: 04422315795
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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.