The effect of video informing adolescents having Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) test on anxiety during the Coronavirüs (COVID-19) pandemic: A randomized controlled study.

AIM: This study aimed to determine if video information on Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) testing reduces anxiety in adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized controlled experimental study with a parallel-group design was conducted. The sample size was determined by G*Power analysis, and 136 adolescents were included in each group accordingly. The data were collected using the Child/Parent Information Form, State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. Chi-square, Independent Sample t-test, and Paired Sample t-test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: It was determined that adolescents experienced moderate anxiety before the procedure. It was found that the majority of adolescents did not have a COVID-19 positive patient in their relatives (83.1%) or in the same house (82.7%). It was determined that they had COVID-19 positive friends at school (56.2%) but not in class (61.4%) and had no contact with positive friends (69.1%). While the post-operative state anxiety level of the adolescents informed by video was 38.76 ± 10.77, the anxiety level of the adolescents in the control group was 41.68 ± 11.92. Informing with video significantly decreased the anxiety level of adolescents (p = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Video information reduces state anxiety after the procedure. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended that video information before rRT-PCR test should be implemented in all hospitals, tablets, televisions, or phones should be used to provide information against the risk of contamination, and other studies should be conducted to show the effectiveness of video information.

Effects of cartoon watching and bubble-blowing during venipuncture on pain, fear, and anxiety in children aged 6-8 years: A randomized experimental study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the effects of bubble-blowing (active distraction) and cartoon watching (passive distraction) techniques on pain, anxiety, and fear during venipuncture in children aged 6-8 years. DESIGN AND METHODS: This experimental study randomly assigned 56 children aged 6-8 years to cartoon watching or bubble-blowing groups. The child, parent, and researcher assessed pain using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, anxiety using the Children's State Anxiety Scale, and fear using the Children's Fear Scale. The study data were analyzed using the Chi-square tests and independent Sample t-tests. RESULTS: The groups were similar in clinical and demographic characteristics. The scores on pain, anxiety, and fear during the procedure were lower in the cartoon watching group than in the bubble-blowing group (pain t(47) = 2.638, p = .013; anxiety t(47) = 2.358, p = .023; and fear t(47) = 2.784, p = .008). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that cartoon watching as a passive distraction method was more effective in reducing pain, anxiety, and fear during venipuncture in children aged 6-8 years compared to bubble-blowing as an active distraction method. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The cartoon watching technique, which is affordable, easy to access, and effective (in reducing pain, anxiety, and fear), can be safely used during venipuncture in children aged 6-8 years.