Preventing Needle Phobia in Children: The Efficacy of Distraction Techniques

Abstract

Background: Needle phobia exists in almost 50% of children despite being a condition that produces significant discomfort regarding necessary medical treatments. Virtual reality (VR) bubble blowing and tablet games demonstrate the potential to decrease both procedural pain and fear in children, but established standard operating procedures are currently absent. Aim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of structured distraction interventions compared to standard care in reducing pain, fear, and distress during pediatric needle procedures while assessing procedural success and parent satisfaction. Methods: A quasi-experimental research study included 60 children aged 3-12 years who received randomized grouping into either structured distraction intervention (VR, bubbles, or tablets) or standard care conditions at Saidu Teaching Hospital. The outcomes addressed pain using FPS-R/FLACC scales and fear through CFS measurements, success rate figures for the first attempt procedures, assessment of duration and parent satisfaction levels, and documentation of distress behaviors. The SPSS v28 program with p