Effects of distraction methods on anxiety and pain during blood collection in children aged 9–13

Abstract Background Non-pharmacological distraction methods are alternatives that can help relieve pain and anxiety during blood collection in pediatric patients. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of distraction methods used during blood collection on pain and anxiety in children aged 9–13. Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WB-FACES) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were used to assess pain and anxiety levels. Methods A randomized controlled experimental study involving 450 pediatric patients aged 9–13 who applied to the pediatric endocrinology unit of a university hospital. During the blood collection procedure, children were randomly divided into 3 groups: watching cartoons, cold application (Buzzy), and control. Age-appropriate pain scales were used to assess pain. Results The study included 450 children, 57.6% ( n = 259) male and 42.4% ( n = 191) female, with a mean age of 11.02 ± 1.45. One-third ( n = 150) of the participants were shown cartoons, and one-third ( n = 150) were given the cold application method. The remaining 1/3 ( n = 150) were not given any distraction intervention during blood collection. Significantly lower pain scores were recorded in both intervention groups compared to the control group ( P < 0.001 and P < 0.001). Conclusion Less pain was noted in the Buzzy and cartoon groups compared to the control group. This suggests that these methods are effective non-pharmacological methods that can be used to reduce pain. The results show that these methods can be safely used for venipuncture pain in children aged 9–13 years.