Effect of Preoperative Educational Schedule on Anxiety and Coping Mechanism Among Children and Their Parents

A Randomized Controlled Trail

Abstract

Introduction 

Surgery is one of the main reasons for anxiety and fearful experiences of children and their parents. It is reported that up to 60% of young children experience significant preoperative anxiety. Preoperative anxiety is also common among parents, which directly leads to anxiety among children. Parental anxiety can lead to a negative impact on children's coping during new or stressful situations like children's hospitalization and going to surgery.

Material and Method 

A prospective, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted on a sample of 56 children aged 7–12 years and their parents. The intervention group (n = 28) received a 15-minute virtual teaching (video) containing information about preoperative care, operation theater visit, use of common medical instruments, and postoperative care. The control group (n = 28) received standard routine care. The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Modified Observed Scale of Behavioral Distress-Revised were used to assess anxiety and coping mechanisms in both the children and their parents; nonparametric, Mann–Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used for analysis.

Results 

Children's level of anxiety and coping mechanisms were significantly improved in the intervention group as compared with the control group. Parents' level of anxiety and coping mechanisms were also significantly improved.

Conclusion 

The Preoperative Educational Schedule virtual teaching video was effective to minimize anxiety and improve coping mechanisms among children and their parents.