The Effect of Listening to Music During Mobilization on Pain and Fear in Children Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

This randomized controlled experimental study aims to investigate the impact of music intervention on the pain and fear levels of children during the postoperative mobilization. Mobilization is a critical part of recovery, but it is often delayed in pediatric patients due to factors such as age, anxiety, fear, and pain. The study is designed to provide evidence for nurses on the use of non-pharmacological methods to facilitate early mobilization and improve the quality of surgical care.The research will be conducted at the Aksaray Training and Research Hospital Pediatric Surgery Department between January 2026 and November 2026. The study population consists of 74 children aged 4-6 who have undergone abdominal surgery. Participants will be randomly and equally divided into two groups: a study group (n=37) and a control group (n=37) using a computer-generated randomization program. Inclusion criteria require that the children be undergoing their first postoperative mobilization, have received only a single dose of paracetamol, and have no chronic illnesses or sensory impairments.The methodology involves assessing both groups before and after the mobilization process. Prior to mobilization, the baseline vital signs (heart rate, respiration, etc.) and pain and fear levels of all children will be evaluated by the child, their parents, and a nurse. During the mobilization, the study group will listen to music of their own choice through headphones, while the control group will receive standard clinical care with parental support. Immediately after the child returns to bed, the evaluations and vital sign recordings will be repeated to measure the intervention's effect.To ensure rigorous data collection, the researchers will use the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, the Children's Fear Scale (CFS), and a Vital Signs Tracking Form. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS 25.0, utilizing tests such as independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square to determine the significance of the results (p < .05). The study anticipates that the music intervention will significantly lower pain and fear scores, supporting the hypothesis that music is an effective supportive tool in pediatric surgical nursing.

Inclusion criteria

• Being between 4-6 years old
• Having undergone abdominal surgery
• Having undergone surgery under general anesthesia
• Having received a single dose of analgesic (paracetamol) after surgery
• Having undergone initial mobilization after surgery
• Being a volunteer to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Having undergone previous surgery
• Having a chronic illness
• A parent having undergone abdominal surgery
• The child having visual, hearing, physical, or intellectual disabilities