Parent confidence in child independence and post-surgery pain in children

The Effect of Parental Self-Efficacy for Child Autonomy on Postoperative Pain in Children Undergoing Minor Surgery

Observational Agri Ibrahim Cecen University · NCT07381673

This project will see if parents' confidence in supporting their child's independence during the surgical process affects early postoperative pain in children aged 3–18 undergoing minor surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorAgri Ibrahim Cecen University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ağrı, Dogubeyazit)
Trial IDNCT07381673 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational study at a single tertiary-level state hospital in Ağrı, Turkey that enrolls children aged 3–18 scheduled for minor surgery and their parents. Parents complete the Parental Self-Efficacy Scale for Child Autonomy preoperatively, and children's pain is measured during the early postoperative period using age-appropriate Wong-Baker FACES ratings at predefined time points. No experimental treatments or additional clinical procedures are performed; all care follows routine hospital protocols. Descriptive statistics and correlational analyses will be used to explore relationships between parental self-efficacy scores and children's postoperative pain levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Children aged 3–18 scheduled for minor surgical procedures at Dogubayazit State Hospital and their Turkish-speaking parents or legal guardians who can provide informed consent and complete questionnaires.

Not a fit: Children with chronic pain, neurological or cognitive disorders, those requiring postoperative intensive care, or families unable to complete Turkish questionnaires are unlikely to benefit from this observational study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If a link is found, the results could support offering targeted parental education or support to reduce children's postoperative pain and improve family-centered perioperative care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous observational work has linked parental behaviors and self-efficacy with pediatric postoperative pain, but causal proof and intervention-based evidence remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 3 to 18 years
* Scheduled for minor surgical procedures
* Able to understand and respond to age-appropriate pain assessment tools
* Parents or legal guardians able to read and understand Turkish
* Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of chronic pain conditions
* Neurological or cognitive disorders that may interfere with pain assessment
* Requirement for postoperative intensive care
* Incomplete completion of data collection forms

Where this trial is running

Ağrı, Dogubeyazit

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Postoperative PainParental Self-EfficacyChild AutonomyMinor SurgeryPediatric NursingFamily-Centered Care
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.