Comparing Storybooks and Hand Puppets to Reduce Fear in Children Undergoing Day Surgery

Summary The aim of this study is to see if storybooks or hand puppets help reduce fear in children before outpatient surgery. Researchers want to find out which of these two methods works better to help children feel calmer and less upset. Why is this study being conducted? Going into surgery can be frightening for children. This research is looking for simple and fun ways to reduce a child's fear without using medication. How will the research be conducted? The study included 99 children (ages 4-7) undergoing outpatient surgery. The children were divided into three equal groups: Group 1 (Control): Received standard hospital care. Group 2 (Storybook): Read an educational book about a character going into surgery. Group 3 (Puppet): Played with a hand puppet before the procedure. Researchers measured the children's fear and emotional responses twice: approximately 1 hour before surgery and immediately before entering the operating room. By comparing these scores, the study shows whether it was the storybook or the puppet that helped the children feel better.