The Effect of Listening to Music, Performing Mathematic Operations and Ball Squeezing in Reducing Pain During Dressing Change in Children

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of listening to music (LM), ball squeezing (BS), and performing mathematical operations (MO) on the pain and physiological parameters during the first dressing in children aged 8-18 with appendectomy. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample of the study consisted of 120 children (LM:30, BS:30, MO:30, control:30). Research data were collected using Information Form, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), mathematical operations form, a softball, a pulse oximeter, and a thermometer. A minute before dressing and during dressing, the children in the LM group listened to music, the children in the SB group squeezed the ball, and the children in the MO group performed mathematical operations. Results: According to the assessment of the child, parent, and nurse, it was determined that the pain score of the children in the LM and MO groups was lower than that of BS group and control groups (p< .05). The mean pulse of the children in the control group was found to be higher during and after dressing than that of LM and MO groups (p< .05). In addition, the mean pulse of the children in the BS group during dressing was found to be higher than that of MO group (p< .05). Conclusion: It was determined that listening to music and performing mathematical operations were effective in reducing the pain of children during dressing. It is recommended that nurses use these non-pharmacological methods, which are easy to apply, in reducing children’s pain.