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A prospective survey of reactions to blood tests by children and adolescents
1School of Psychology, Children 's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ont. KIN 6N5 Canada Psychology Department, Children 's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ont. KIN 6N5 Canada Department of Pediatrics, Children 's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ont. KIN 6N5 Canada Nursing Services, Children 's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ont.Canada.
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Young children (3-6 years) experience significant distress during blood draws. Parental prediction and child
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Medical Psychology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Venepuncture is a common but distressing procedure for children.
- Assessing and predicting pediatric distress during medical procedures is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate predictors of distress and pain in children undergoing venepuncture.
- To identify children at high risk for poor response to needle procedures.
Main Methods:
- 171 children and adolescents (aged 3-17 years) undergoing venepuncture were studied.
- Pain and anxiety were self-reported and observed before and during blood drawing.
- Multiple regression analysis was used to identify predictors of distress.
Main Results:
- 36-64% of children aged 3-6 years experienced moderate to severe distress.
- Child's age and parental prediction of distress were significant predictors of observed distress and self-reported pain.
- Previous needle procedure experience did not significantly predict distress.
Conclusions:
- Age and parental expectations are key factors in predicting pediatric distress during venepuncture.
- These findings aid in identifying children likely to experience significant pain and anxiety during medical procedures.
- Targeted interventions can be developed for high-risk pediatric populations.
Abstract:
A sample of 171 children and adolescents aged 3-17 years requiring venepuncture for blood sampling were asked to report on their pain and anxiety and were observed immediately before and during blood drawing. Depending on the measures used, 36-64% of children from 3 to 6 years old experienced moderate to severe distress from blood drawing. Multiple regression analysis revealed that age and the parents' prediction of how upset the child would feel before the blood test was a significant predictor of the observed distress and the self-report of pain. Experience with previous needle procedures did not add significantly to the prediction of distress. Identification of children at high risk to respond poorly to painful medical procedures is discussed.