Abstract
BACKGROUND: The unfamiliar surroundings in hospitals significantly increase psychological distress in children, particularly those of younger age. The present study aims to assess the effects of nurse-led play intervention (picture book and board game) in relieving anxiety and fear in hospitalized children. METHODS AND MATERIAL: This quasi-experimental study, conducted from April to September 2023 in the playroom of the pediatric medicine ward in Karnataka, India, explored the impact of play interventions on hospitalized children. One hundred and twenty children aged 7-12 were selected using purposive sampling. Validated instruments, including demographic questionnaires for children and parents, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, and the child's medical fear scale, were used to assess anxiety and fear levels. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 23.0. RESULTS: The intervention group experienced, on day three, a more significant reduction in the mean state anxiety (54.33 ± 1.76) (53.05 ± 3.44), trait anxiety (21.3 ± 0.83) (50.18 ± 2.43), and medical fear score (19.23 ± 1.57) (43.56 ± 2.75) than the control group. A statistically significant difference in state and trait anxiety levels and medical fear was observed between the two groups on each of the three days (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Play interventions effectively reduce anxiety and fear in hospitalized children, highlighting their importance in pediatric care. Health policymakers should integrate play therapy into standard hospital protocols, while nursing managers should provide resources and training to empower staff and parents in facilitating these interventions. Further research should explore the long-term impact of play interventions on hospital experiences and overall well-being in children.