The relationship between fear of medical procedures and psychosocial symptoms in hospitalized children: A cross-sectional study
Journal of Pediatric Nursing, vol.84, pp.149-155, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 84
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.pedn.2025.05.025
- Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Nursing
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ASSIA, CINAHL, MEDLINE, DIALNET
- Page Numbers: pp.149-155
- Keywords: Hospitalized children, Medical fear, Psychosocial symptoms
- Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Purpose: The present study was conducted to examine the relationship between fear of medical procedures and psychosocial symptoms in hospitalized children. Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study included 150 children aged 6–12 years, diagnosed with either acute or chronic illness, who were admitted to the Pediatric Ward of a State Hospital with their mothers. Study data were collected through the “Demographic Information Form”, “Medical Procedure Fear Scale”, and “Psychosocial Symptoms Assessment Scale for Hospitalized Children”. The data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and linear regression analysis. Results: The average total score obtained from the Medical Procedure Fear Scale was 52.9 ± 8.83, children were found to be slightly afraid of medical procedures. The average total score on the Psychosocial Symptoms Diagnosis Scale was 16.77 ± 7.91, children were found to have psychosocial symptoms, most frequently anxiety and regression. A significant and positive relationship was found between medical procedure fear and psychosocial symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusion: As children's scores on the medical procedure fear scale increase, their psychosocial symptoms increase and medical fear is seen as a determinant of psychosocial symptoms. Practice implications: Pediatric nurses must evaluate the fears of medical procedures and psychosocial problems of hospitalized children and guide children and parents in preventing and reducing fears of medical procedures and psychosocial problems.