Understanding needle-related distress in children with cystic fibrosis
Susan Ayers1, Ingrid Muller, Liam Mahoney
1School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex, UK. s.ayers@sussex.ac.uk
Insights
Needle-related distress significantly impacts children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their families. Strategies like taking control and using nitrous oxide can help manage this anxiety during procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Medical Sociology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Needle-related procedures are common in managing cystic fibrosis (CF).
- Distress associated with needles can negatively affect adherence to treatment in pediatric patients.
- Understanding the patient and parent experience is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of needle-related distress in children and adolescents with CF.
- To identify effective management and coping strategies for needle-related distress.
- To explore the influence of parents and healthcare staff on this distress.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study design was employed.
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 child-parent dyads.
- Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts.
Main Results:
- Previous needle experiences and pain were primary contributors to needle anxiety.
- Taking control emerged as a preferred coping strategy for over half of participants.
- Inhaled nitrous oxide was widely considered helpful for managing distress during needle procedures.
Conclusions:
- Needle-related distress poses significant challenges for children with CF and their families, potentially leading to treatment refusal.
- Psychological interventions and pharmacological methods show promise in alleviating distress.
- Addressing needle-related distress is vital for improving treatment adherence and overall care for pediatric CF patients.
Objective:
To explore the nature and management of needle-related distress in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF).
Design:
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.
Methods:
Fourteen child-parent dyads took part. Children (5 male; 9 female) had a mean age of 12.4 years (range 7-17) and were mostly diagnosed with CF at birth (N= 11). Frequency of needle procedures ranged from once to six times a year. Parents (3 male; 11 female) had a mean age of 41.5 years and were from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results:
Most participants identified previous needle experiences and pain as related to their needle anxiety. Over half of parents and children considered 'taking control' to be the optimum coping strategy. The majority of parents and children thought inhaled nitrous oxide gas during needle procedures was helpful in managing needle-related distress. Parent and staff influences on needle-related distress are also examined.
Conclusions:
Needle-related distress in children with CF has a substantial impact on children and their parents, and may lead to management problems and treatment refusal. Psychological and pharmacological interventions could reduce distress and aid management.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Cystic Fibrosis: Management
Sinus disease and chronic sinusitis...
01:23Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...