Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Child-reported hospital fears in 4 to 6-year-old children
Marja Salmela1, Sanna Salanterä, Eeva Aronen
1Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, Health Care and Social Services, Degree Programme Nursing, Helsinki, Finland.
Insights
Hospital stays trigger significant fears in over 90% of 4 to 6-year-old children. Understanding these hospital fears is crucial for effective intervention and support.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Childhood Development
- Healthcare Experiences
Background:
- Hospitalization can be a source of significant anxiety for young children.
- Understanding the specific fears of 4 to 6-year-olds is essential for improving pediatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the hospital-related fears experienced by 4 to 6-year-old children.
- To identify common sources and categories of these fears.
Main Methods:
- A purposive sample of 90 children aged 4 to 6 years in Finland participated.
- Data were collected through semi-structured interviews supported by visual aids.
- Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed for data analysis.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of children reported at least one hospital-related fear.
- Fears were primarily linked to nursing interventions, being a patient, and developmental stage.
- Unfamiliar environments, lack of information, and social/symbolic aspects also contributed to fear.
Conclusions:
- Hospital care intensifies fears in 4 to 6-year-old children.
- Findings offer valuable insights for preventing and alleviating pediatric hospital fear.
- Addressing these fears can improve the well-being of both healthy and sick children.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to describe hospital-related fears of 4 to 6-year-old children. Data were collected by interviewing 4 to 6-year-old children (N=90) in Finland, who were chosen through purposive sampling in which volunteers were asked to take part in the study. Data were gathered by semi-structured interview, supported by pictures, and reviewed by quantitative and qualitative methods. Results revealed that more than 90% of children said they were afraid of at least one thing in a hospital. Most fears were categorized by nursing interventions, fears of being a patient, and fears caused by the developmental stage of the child. Children also expressed fears caused by the unfamiliar environment or lack of information, child-staff relations, and the physical, social, and symbolic environment. The main result was that hospital care increased the amount of fears in 4 to 6-year-old children. The information is useful in preventing, identifying, and alleviating the hospital fear of healthy or sick children.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares often...
01:21Types of Reports II: Incident or Occurrence Report
Purposes:
In the healthcare industry, reports play a crucial role in documenting incidents within an agency. The primary objective of these reports is to ensure patient safety, uphold the...
01:29SBAR I: Understanding the Concept
Standardized methods of communication have been developed to ensure that information is...
01:23Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:23Assessment of Respiration
Subjective Assessment: Nurses interview the patient to gather information directly during the subjective assessment. It includes questions about the individual's medical history, medications, and symptoms, focusing on past respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD,...