Effects of Non-Pharmacological Auditory Interventions on Pain and Anxiety in Pediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing White and Pink Noise

This study is a prospective, three-arm, single-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological sound-based interventions on pain and anxiety in pediatric patients. The study will be conducted at a university hospital with 150 children aged 6-12 years who require peripheral intravenous (IV) catheterization. Participants will be randomly assigned to three groups: a white noise group, a pink noise group, or a control group (standard care). Sound interventions (white or pink noise at 50-55 dB) will be administered via noise-canceling headphones for 5 minutes before and during the IV procedure. The primary outcomes will be pain levels assessed by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, and anxiety levels assessed by the Children's Fear and Anxiety Scale (CFAS). The study aims to provide evidence-based, safe, and cost-effective alternatives to pharmacological pain management in pediatric clinical procedures.