PURPOSE
This study was done to evaluate the effects of distraction using balloon art on pain experienced by preschool children when undergoing an intravenous injection.
METHODS: Participants were 40 hospitalized preschool children. Children in the experimental group (20) were distracted by balloon art while undergoing an intravenous injection. Children in the control group (20) received regular care. Pain experienced by the children was measured using self-report, observation tools, heart rate and oxygen saturation. The data were analyzed using the SAS program.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, children in the experimental group showed significant difference in pain as shown by pulse rate. However, children in the experimental group did not show a decrease in pain in the self-report or behavior observation when compared with children in the control group.
CONCLUSION
Distraction using balloon art can be used to reduce pain for preschool children when undergoing an intravenous injection. Further nursing interventions need to be developed and provided to preschool children when undergoing painful procedures.
