Comparison of the Effect of Puppet Clothes and Mascot on Anxiety and Fear of Admission in Children Aged 3-6 Years

Abstract

Hospitalization causes the child's fear and anxiety, and this can be an important factor in delaying the child's recovery. Since the appearance of nurses in treatment centers has an important role In creating a sense of trust in patients, especially children, it is advisable for nurses to choose the color and outline of their clothes, which will bring about the trust and attention of the children. This study was conducted to compare the effect of puppet mascot and clothing on anxiety and fear of admission in children ages 3 to 6 years. The research was carried out as a randomized, three-group clinical trial that was performed on75 children aged 3-6 years at admission in Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad, in summer and autumn of 2016. Qualified children were selected non-randomly. Distribution of children to puppies, clothing and control groups was done by simple random assignment. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting self-report scales of children's fears and anxiety. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA using SPSS software version 16. Findings indicate that the level of anxiety was significantly higher in the control group than in the group of mascot and clothing. The difference in the anxiety score in the wear and control group was 36.3 and the difference in the anxiety score in the tread and control group was 17.1, and this difference was statistically significant (p <0.001). Moreover, the level of fear was significantly more in the control group than in the two groups of mascot and clothes (p <0.001).