Fear Level in Preschoolers Undergoing Computed Tomography: Affect of Psychological Preparation by Story vs. Normal Preparation
Abstract
Background: Computed tomography (CT scan) is a common radiological practice; however, among pre-school-age children, it can be a fearful experience, so much so that non-cooperation of children may result in failure to get any useable results. Psychological preparation can be used to reduce the level of fear in children.
Objective: To compare the level of apprehension among preschoolers undergoing CT scan, given psychological preparation vs. the normal clinical explanation.
Design: Quasi-experimental research
Setting: Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Population and Samples: Data were collected on the responses of 60 children between four to six years of age undergoing CT for the first time. Two groups (normal and experimental) were formed by a simple random, age matching method.
Intervention: Psychological preparation included being read a story called ‘C.T. the Magic Camera and the Kid’ created by our research team.
Measurements: Data were collected on the fear responses of the children undergoing CT and analyzed by t test.
Results: Subjects in the psychologically-prepared group exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) less apprehension than those in the control group.
Conclusions: The findings suggest some psychological preparation is needed before children undergo CT scan or any other invasive procedure (such as spinal puncture or intravenous fluid administration).
