Using puppet shows to reduce pain and fear during injections in children with leukemia

The Effect of Puppet Show on Pain and Fear During Subcutaneous Injection in Children With Leukemia: A Randomized Controlled Study

NA · Dokuz Eylul University · NCT06013501

This study tests if a puppet show can help young children with leukemia feel less pain and fear during their injections.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 7 Years
SexAll
SponsorDokuz Eylul University (other)
Locations1 site (İzmir)
Trial IDNCT06013501 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a puppet show as a distraction technique during subcutaneous injections in children aged 3-7 years who are being treated for leukemia. Children in the study group will experience a puppet show before and during their injection, while a control group will receive the injection without any distraction. Pain and fear levels will be assessed by a clinical nurse during the procedure to determine the impact of the puppet show on these experiences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3-7 years who are receiving treatment for leukemia.

Not a fit: Patients who are medically unstable or unable to communicate may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and fear in young children undergoing medical procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that distraction techniques can effectively reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Child \<3 and \>7 years old
* Medically unstable (dehydration, septic shock, sedation)
* Children who are being treated for leukemia in the Pediatric Hematology Service will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Not exposed to any other interventional procedure before (same day) subcutaneous intervention
* Not expressing any pain before subcutaneous intervention
* Heart rate to be within age-appropriate limits
* Wong-Baker Pain Rating Scale score of 0 in the evaluation performed before the subcutaneous intervention (5 minutes ago)
* Having a disability that cannot perceive the attempt and communicate (down syndrome, speech disorder, visual impairment)
* The child and family do not know Turkish

Where this trial is running

İzmir

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pain, Acute, Fear

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.