Efficacy of Cartoon Therapy in Reducing Pain Perception Among Children During Intravenous Injections: A Quasi-Experimental Study

  • Unique Paper ID: 182200
  • Volume: 5
  • Issue: 5
  • PageNo: 259-261
  • Abstract:
  • Background: Intravenous (IV) injections are frequently distressing for pediatric patients. Play therapy, a non-pharmacological distraction method, has shown promise in mitigating procedural pain. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Play (Cartoon) therapy in reducing pain perception among children undergoing IV injections. Methods: A quasi-experimental time-series study with a withdrawal and reinstitution design was conducted among 30 children aged 4–7 years admitted to a pediatric ward. Participants were assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale at three time points: initiation, five minutes after initiation, and termination of IV injection over two consecutive days. On Day 1, one group received play therapy while the other served as control; the groups were reversed on Day 2. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Children exposed to play (Cartoon) therapy reported significantly lower pain scores than those in the control group. On Day 1, mean scores for the play therapy group were 4.20 ± 1.92 (initiation), 3.07 ± 1.46 (5 minutes), and 1.53 ± 1.46 (termination), compared to 9.20 ± 1.24, 9.07 ± 1.43, and 7.67 ± 1.49, respectively, in the control group. Similar reductions were observed on Day 2. Differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Play therapy is an effective, safe, and low-cost intervention that significantly reduces pain perception in children undergoing IV procedures. It should be integrated into routine pediatric care. Keywords: Cartoon, play therapy, Children, Pediatric, hospital, Intravenous, Injections, Efficacy, Pain Perception, Distress Quasi Experimental Study.

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