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Cognitive behavioral and behavioral interventions help young children cope during a voiding cystourethrogram

N Zelikovsky1, J R Rodrigue, C A Gidycz

  • 1University of Florida, USA. zelikovsky@email.chop.edu

Insights

A cognitive-behavioral intervention effectively reduced distress and increased coping behaviors in young children during voiding cystourethrogram (VCU) procedures. This approach improved cooperation without significantly altering fear or pain perceptions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Radiology
  • Child Health

Background:

  • Voiding cystourethrogram (VCU) procedures can cause distress in young children.
  • Standard care may not adequately address pediatric anxiety during medical imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To decrease distress and enhance coping behaviors in children undergoing VCU.
  • To evaluate a cognitive-behavioral intervention for pediatric patients during VCU.

Main Methods:

  • Stratified randomization of 3-7 year olds into intervention (n=20) and standard care (n=20) groups.
  • Intervention included information, coping skills training, and parent coaching.
  • Distress assessed via child report, parent/technician ratings, and behavioral observation.

Main Results:

  • Intervention group showed fewer distress behaviors and more coping behaviors.
  • Children in the intervention group were rated as more cooperative.
  • No significant differences in children's self-reported fear or pain ratings between groups.

Conclusions:

  • A cognitive-behavioral treatment package is effective in reducing pediatric distress and increasing cooperation during VCU.
  • The intervention successfully enhanced coping mechanisms in pediatric patients.
  • Integration of this intervention into routine pediatric radiology is recommended.
Abstract

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