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NCT Number: NCT07417852

Effect of Cartoon Projection and Ball Squeezing on Pain During Venipuncture in Children

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Venipuncture Pain

Age range

2 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Karbala Pediatric Teaching Hospital Al-Hussein Medical City Karbala, Iraq

Karbala, Karbala Governorate, 0694, Iraq

About this study

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).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

Cartoon Projection Distraction

Behavioral

Immersive cartoon videos during venipuncture'

ball squeezing distraction

Behavioral

Stress ball squeezing during venipuncture'

Primary outcomes

  1. Analogue Scale (VAS) Pain Score (0-10; higher scores = worse pain)

    Time frame: 0-30 seconds post - venipuncture

    Child rates pain intensity (0-10 cm scale) immediately after needle insertion

Secondary outcomes

  1. Nurse-Observed Anxiety Level (1-5 scale; higher = worse)

    Time frame: During venipuncture procedure

    Child anxiety assessed by nurse observer rating (1-5 scale)

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Enas Ahmed, PhD Student

CONTACT

[email protected]

07806370150

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Baghdad

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effect of Immersive Cartoon Projection and Ball Squeezing on Pain During Venipuncture Among Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2027
First posted
Feb 18, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 18, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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