An Exposure-Based Video Game (Dr. Zoo) to Reduce Needle Phobia in Children Aged 3 to 6 Years: Development and Mixed...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Digital Health Interventions
• Childhood Anxiety Management

Background:

• Needle phobia affects 19% of young children (4-6 years), hindering necessary medical care.
• Existing digital interventions for needle phobia primarily use distraction, not evidence-based exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a serious, exposure-based mobile game, Dr. Zoo, for children aged 3-6 years.
• To assess the game's ease of use, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness in reducing needle fear.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study involved 30 parents and 36 children playing the game for 5 days before an injection appointment.
• Post-study, parents completed surveys and interviews to evaluate the game's impact and user experience.
• Interview transcripts were analyzed using open coding by three independent coders.

Main Results:

• Parents reported very low difficulty (mean 1.76/5) and high likelihood to recommend Dr. Zoo (mean 4.41/5), indicating strong ease of use and acceptability.
• Children's fear of needles significantly decreased post-gameplay (mean 3.09/5 vs. 4.37/5 before, P<.001).
• 74% of parents observed a positive impact on their child's needle perception, with interactive design cited as a key feature.

Conclusions:

• Dr. Zoo demonstrates potential as an easy-to-use, acceptable, and effective intervention for childhood needle phobia.
• Digital interventions leveraging evidence-based exposure can address needle anxiety as a public health concern.