The Effect of Using a Kaleidoscope on Fear and Pain in Children

Type of Study: The study was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study. Place and Time of Research:

The research was conducted between March 2022 and December 2023 as a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of patients who sought treatment at the Orthopedics Polyclinic and Emergency Department of Erzurum Atatürk University Health Research and Application Center. These patients were referred to the orthopedics clinic and diagnosed with fractures, such as humerus, wrist, finger, tibia, femur, and ankle fractures, for which plastering was performed as treatment. Specifically, the study included children aged 6 to 12 years. The sample size for the study was determined through a power analysis and ultimately consisted of a total of 70 children, with 35 children assigned to both the control group and the kaleidoscope group. The children in the kaleidoscope group were exposed to a kaleidoscope, while the control group received no intervention beyond routine medical practice. To collect data, the researchers utilized an "Introductory Information Form," the "Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale," and the "Children Fear Scale." The data were analyzed using percentage distributions, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, and independent groups t-test. Throughout the research, ethical principles were strictly followed.

Inclusion criteria

• Being a child in the 6-12 age group,
• The child's willingness to participate in the study,
• The parent's volunteering to participate in the study,
• Absence of intellectual disability of the child and parent,
• The child and the parent speak Turkish and are open to communication.

Exclusion criteria

• The child has a chronic disease that can cause pain,
• The child has used analgesics within 24 hours before admission to the hospital,
• The child has visual impairment.