Undergoing an immunization is effortlessly, manageable or difficult according to five-year-old children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Child Psychology
• Medical Sociology

Background:

• Immunizations are crucial for preventing childhood diseases.
• Existing research offers various methods to ease pediatric immunization procedures.
• Understanding children's perspectives is vital for tailored care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and describe the perceptions of 5-year-old children undergoing immunization.

Main Methods:

• A phenomenographic approach was employed with 21 children.
• Data was collected immediately post-immunization using drawings and talks.
• Ethical approval was obtained from relevant committees, parents, and children.

Main Results:

• Children's immunization perceptions varied: effortlessly, manageable, or difficult.
• Each perception included descriptions of people, objects, feelings, and coping actions.
• These descriptions differed based on the perceived ease or difficulty of the immunization.

Conclusions:

• Children's views on medical procedures can differ significantly from adults'.
• Children require support, time, and space to process immunizations.
• Acknowledging children's perceptions promotes their healthcare rights and child-centered care.