Factors influencing young children's coping behaviors during stressful healthcare encounters

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Child Health Research
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Venipuncture is a common yet stressful procedure for preschool children.
• Understanding children's coping mechanisms during medical procedures is crucial for effective care.
• Previous research has explored factors influencing child coping, but situational and professional influences require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine preschool children's coping behaviors during venipuncture.
• To identify situational and personal variables influencing these coping behaviors.
• To correlate children's coping strategies with procedural pain and healthcare professional interventions.

Main Methods:

• Eighty preschool children undergoing venipuncture were observed.
• Children's coping behaviors were assessed using the Children's Coping Strategies Checklist-Intrusive Procedures.
• Healthcare professional actions were recorded using the Nursing Actions Checklist; parent interviews and questionnaires gathered additional data.

Main Results:

• Children's coping behaviors during venipuncture were correlated with their reported procedural pain.
• Socioeconomic status, nursing interventions, and preparation showed low to moderate correlations with the number and type of coping behaviors.
• A child's coping was significantly related to the immediate situation and professional actions, not solely individual characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Child coping during venipuncture is influenced by situational factors and healthcare provider actions.
• Interventions focusing on the healthcare environment and professional behavior may enhance children's coping.
• Future research should explore tailored strategies based on situational and professional influences to support pediatric patients.