PURPOSE
This study was done to verify the effects of information using photographs on preoperative anxiety of children and their parents.
METHODS
Participants were 48 hospitalized children and their parents (48 pairs). In the experiment group (18 pairs) photographs were used with the children and parents to provide information before the child underwent an operation.
Children and parents in control group (30 pairs) received regular care. Anxiety of children and their parents was measured using both a self-report and physiologic responses (heart rate and blood pressure). The data were analyzed using the SAS program.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, self-reports of the experimental group indicated a significant difference in subjective anxiety. However, there was no decrease in physiologic anxiety as shown by heart rate and blood pressure in those in the experimental group as compared to the control group.
CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative information using photographs were shown to be an effective method to reduce anxiety of children and their parents.
