The Effect of Distraction Methods Used During Inhalation Therapy on Children's Fear and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Study

In the literature, distraction techniques are generally used in invasive procedures. On the other hand, it is possible that studies on the effects of inhalation therapy and non-pharmacological methods, which are among the common non-invasive interventions in children, can still continue. Durak et al. (2021) stated that the developments in experimental groups, in which they were made to watch cartoons during inhalation treatment, were lower in adults than in control groups and in children. A similar study was published by Ozsamuri (2020), and children receiving mask and inhaler treatment consisted of watching cartoons, listening to music, and a control group. As a result of the study, intra-group comparisons show that the fear and anxiety scores of people in cartoon and music groups decreased compared to before the procedure . However, arranging emergency services for children and selling them with treatment materials have been shown to be effective in reducing children's fears. Negative reactions to the growth mask and nebulizer during inhaler therapy, causing incorrect inhalation patterns, and deterioration are reduced. Yanık and Ayyıldız (2019) conducted a study on the effectiveness of the training given with a toy-type nebulizer for children aged 3-6 years who received nebulizer therapy. During the therapy inhaler treatment, the scores of the people in the experimental group decreased, while the scores of the control group increased. Kırkan (2023) stated that the therapeutic play method applied with toy nebulizers and toy nebulizers in the activities he conducted with 3-8 year old children who received nebulizers is an effective method treatment in reducing fear and anxiety in the children's hospital. Distracting methods during inhaler treatment for children are beneficial for patients to have positive hospital experiences. This will reduce patients' fear of the hospital, prevent providers from experiencing stress, and ensure that people are satisfied. Adequate information during treatment procedures in children will improve fear, pain and anxiety management and increase the positive hospital experience. Rapid healing is important because of the reduced use of treatment materials, the effectiveness of human resources, and the increase in health knowledge.