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Updated: Jan 1, 2026
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain PPOP
Published on: January 27, 2010
Children's self-reports of fear and pain levels during needle procedures
Lena Hedén1, Louise von Essen2, Gustaf Ljungman3
1Faculty of Caring Sciences, Work Life and Social Welfare University of Borås Borås Sweden.
Insights
Children undergoing needle insertion experience similar levels of fear and pain. Younger children reported higher fear than pain, with both age and pain influencing fear levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric healthcare
- Pain management
- Child psychology
Background:
- Procedural pain and fear are significant concerns in pediatric healthcare.
- Understanding the relationship between fear and pain is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the levels of procedure-related fear and pain in children.
- To explore the potential relationships between fear and pain during routine needle insertion.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 90 children aged 7-18 years.
- Participants self-reported pain and fear levels using visual analogue scales (VAS) during needle insertion into an implanted intravenous port.
- Topical anesthesia was administered prior to the procedure.
Main Results:
- Mean needle-related fear and pain levels were comparable (VAS: 14 mm and 12 mm, respectively).
- Fear was significantly associated with age and pain, explaining 16% of the variance.
- Pain was significantly associated with fear, explaining 11% of the variance.
- Younger children reported higher fear levels compared to pain levels.
Conclusions:
- Fear and pain are significant and related experiences for children during needle insertion.
- Age is a factor influencing fear levels in children.
- Further research into age-specific interventions for managing procedural fear and pain is warranted.
Aim:
The objective was to determine the levels of and potential relationships between, procedure-related fear and pain in children.
Design:
Clinical based cross-sectional.
Methods:
Ninety children aged between 7-18 years were included consecutively and self-reported levels of pain and fear on a 0-100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS) when undergoing routine needle insertion into a subcutaneously implanted intravenous port following topical anaesthesia.
Results:
The needle-related fear level was reported to be as high as the needle-related pain level (mean VAS: 14 mm and 12 mm, respectively, N = 90). With fear as the dependent variable, age and pain were significantly associated and explained 16% of the variance. With pain as the dependent variable, fear was significantly associated and explained 11% of the variance. A post hoc analysis indicated that younger children reported their fear levels to be higher than their pain levels.
