The Effect of Distraction Cards on Reducing Pain and Anxiety During Intramuscular Injection in Children.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of distraction cards in reducing pain and anxiety during intramuscular (IM) injection in children aged between 6 and 11 years.

METHODS

Sixty children were randomized into two groups, the distraction group and controls. The children in the distraction group viewed distraction cards during the procedure. The children in the control group were allowed to have their family nearby when the routine injection procedure was performed, but no distraction techniques were employed. Children's Fear Scale was used to assess children's anxiety levels. Pain levels were assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale via self-reports, which were completed by the children and also by the parents and observer.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in the self-, parent-, and observer-reported pain and parent- and observer-reported anxiety levels between the distraction and control groups.

LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION

Distraction methods, such as distraction cards, should be used as a nursing intervention to reduce pain and anxiety during IM injection in children. This study contributes to the literature on nonpharmacologic pain relief methods during IM injection in children.