The Effect of Dry Heat and Dry Cold Application on Pain, Anxiety and Fear Levels Before Blood Sample Collection in School Age Children: A Randomized Controlled Study

Prior to blood sampling, parents and children were initially informed about the study in Experiment 1-dry heat, Experiment 2-dry cold, and control groups, and their written and verbal consents were obtained. After obtaining consent, information about the child and family was collected by the researcher with the "Child-Family Introductory Information Form" before the procedure. After the family and the child were introduced to the measurement tools (Wong Baker Faces Pain Scale, Child Fair Anxiety Scale and Medical Procedures Fear Inventory) to be scored, it was explained to the child that his mother or father would be with him during the procedure, and he was taken to the intervention room. Before the blood sample collection, the child's fear and anxiety were evaluated using Child Fear Anxiety Scale.

In Experiment 1-Dry Heat Application group, the electrical heating pad with temperature regulation was heated by the researcher and set to 42°C. After making sure that there were no contraindications (deterioration of skin integrity, etc.) in the application of the electrical heating pad device, a dry heat of 42°C was applied to the determined area with an electrical heating pad for 5 minutes.

In Experiment 2-Dry Cold Application group, dry cold was applied to the determined area with a gel pad for 3 minutes after the researcher made sure that there were no contraindications (deterioration of skin integrity, etc.) in the application of the gel pad.

In the Control group, blood sampling was performed according to the clinical routine, and no heat or cold application was made.