Venipuncture Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Pediatric pain, venipuncture, distraction, cartoon projection , Ball squeezing
Brief summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn which distraction method works better to reduce needle pain in children aged 4-12 years during blood draws. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does watching cartoon videos lower children's pain more than squeezing a stress ball? * Which method do parents prefer for their children? 120 children will be randomly assigned to watch cartoons or squeeze a ball while nurses draw blood. Pain will be measured using a 0-10 pain scale right after the needle. This study will help nurses choose the best way to make blood draws less painful for children.
Detailed description
This study compares two distraction methods (cartoon projection vs. ball squeezing) to reduce venipuncture pain in children aged 4-12 years. 120 children will be randomized 1:1 to receive either immersive cartoon videos or tactile stress ball distraction during routine blood draws at Karbala Pediatric Hospital. Pain intensity (primary outcome) will be assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-10; higher=worse) immediately post-procedure. The study protocol received ethical approval from University of Baghdad College of Nursing (No. 77, Jan 29, 2026).
Interventions
BEHAVIORALCartoon Projection Distraction
Immersive cartoon videos during venipuncture'
BEHAVIORALball squeezing distraction
Stress ball squeezing during venipuncture'
Sponsors
University of Baghdad
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
2 Years to 12 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Children aged 4-12 years * Requiring venipuncture for routine blood testing * Able to watch cartoon video during procedure * Parental consent obtained
Exclusion criteria
* Developmental delay preventing cooperation * Severe anxiety disorder * Visual impairment * Non-English/Arabic speaking parents
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Analogue Scale (VAS) Pain Score (0-10; higher scores = worse pain) | 0-30 seconds post - venipuncture | Child rates pain intensity (0-10 cm scale) immediately after needle insertion |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse-Observed Anxiety Level (1-5 scale; higher = worse) | During venipuncture procedure | Child anxiety assessed by nurse observer rating (1-5 scale) |
Countries
Iraq
Contacts
CONTACTEnas Ahmed, PhD Student
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOREnas Ahmed, PhD Student
University of Baghdad College of Nursing
Outcome results
None listed