The effects of vibration and pressure interventions on children's pain, fear and anxiety: A randomized controlled trial

The effects of vibration and pressure methods on the level of fear, anxiety, and pain of pediatric patients who were admitted to the emergency department for intramuscular injection were evaluated. This was a parallel group and a randomized controlled study conducted in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 114 children aged between 5 and 10 years who presented to the emergency department to receive intramuscular ceftriaxone injection as part of their treatment. The children were randomized into three groups: Vibration Intervention Group (n = 38), Pressure Intervention Group (n = 38) and Control Group (n = 38). Before the procedure, the level of anxiety and fear of the children were evaluated, and the level of perceived pain during the procedure was immediately evaluated after the intervention. Parents and nurses also rated the level of pain. Data were analyzed with non-parametric tests using SPSS version 26.0. According to the evaluations made by children, mothers, and nurses, there was a significant difference between pain scores of children in the vibration and pressure intervention groups during the procedure and children in the control group (p < 0.000). There was a significant difference between anxiety and fear scores of children in the vibration and pressure groups and children in the control group before and after the intervention according to the evaluations of the children, mothers, and nurses (p < 0.000). Vibration and pressure interventions used during intramuscular injections administered to children in the emergency department were found to reduce pain, anxiety, and fear based on the evaluations of children, mothers, and nurses. Vibration and pressure are effective and useful in relieving pain associated with intramuscular injections in children aged between 5 and 10 years. •Non-pharmacologic techniques are applied to lessen children's anxiety, and fear.•Pain-relieving methods can be used during intramuscular injections in the emergency department.•Vibrating device and pressure can be used to reduce pain during intramuscular injection in children.