(Effect of Toy Nebulizer Versus Distraction Cards on Children's Fear and Parental Satisfaction During Nebulization Therapy: A Comparative Study

Background Nebulization therapy is essential for children with respiratory conditions like asthma, but it often causes significant fear and anxiety in young patients. Distraction techniques help reduce distress, yet more engaging methods like toy nebulizers may offer better outcomes. This study compares these two non-pharmacological interventions.

Study Design A comparative randomized controlled trial involving children aged 3-8 years undergoing nebulization. Participants are randomly assigned to either a toy nebulizer group (interactive play device mimicking nebulization) or distraction cards group (visual/pictorial cards). Fear levels are assessed using the Child Fear Scale (CFS), and parental satisfaction via a 5-point Likert scale.

Objectives Primary: Measure reduction in children's fear during therapy.

Secondary: Evaluate parental satisfaction and therapy completion rates.

Procedures Sessions occur in a pediatric clinic over 4 weeks (3 sessions per child). Pre- and post-session assessments capture fear and satisfaction data. Data analysis uses t-tests and ANOVA for statistical significance (p<0.05).

Expected Outcomes Toy nebulizers are hypothesized to lower fear more effectively than distraction cards, leading to higher parental satisfaction and better adherence to therapy.

Inclusion criteria

Children aged 3-6 years receiving nebulization therapy for the first time due to acute respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma or bronchitis).

• Presence of at least one parent (preferably the mother) during the procedure who is capable of evaluation and communication in Arabic or Kurdish.

• Children who are alert and able to cooperate (absence of severe pain or any condition preventing basic communication).

• Voluntary written informed consent obtained from the parents and assent from the child (where applicable).

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Exclusion criteria

Prior history of nebulization therapy (to ensure the fear response is not conditioned by past experiences).

• Children with cognitive, neurological, or developmental disabilities, or severe chronic illnesses (e.g., terminal cancer).

• Parental inability to complete fear or satisfaction questionnaires due to disability or illiteracy.

• Refusal to participate by the child or parent, or the presence of emergency conditions requiring immediate life-saving intervention.

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