Assess the level of anxiety among hospitalized children at a selected hospital

Abstract

Hospitalization is often a stressful experience for children due to unfamiliar surroundings, separation from parents, and exposure to medical procedures. This study was conducted to assess the level of anxiety among hospitalized children at a selected hospital. A descriptive research design was used, and data were collected from children within the specified age group using a standardized Anxiety Rating Scale. The findings revealed that a majority of children exhibited mild to moderate anxiety, while a smaller proportion experienced severe anxiety, especially during procedures such as injections, IV cannulation, and dressing changes. Younger children demonstrated more behavioral distress, whereas older children expressed their fears verbally. The study highlights the importance of early identification and continuous assessment of anxiety to guide appropriate nursing and psychological interventions.
Objective: To assess the anxiety level of hospitalized children
Methods:
For the study, a cross-sectional design was employed. 25 children were chosen for the sample using the convenience sampling technique. SPSS software was used to import the data for additional analysis. They used descriptive statistics. Analyzing the relationship between the independent and dependent variables was the last step.
Result:
In the pretest level of anxiety among children. In pretest 15(60%) were severe anxiety,8(32%) were moderate anxiety 2(8%) were mild anxiety.In demographic variables, age, gender, educational status of parents, religion, Monthly income, and occupational status showed no statistically significant association with pretest level of anxiety among children. Hence p<0.05 level of significance.
Conclusion:
The study concludes that a significant proportion of hospitalized children experience anxiety at varying levels, with many showing mild to moderate symptoms and some presenting severe distress during medical procedures. Early assessment using a standardized anxiety scale is essential for timely identification and intervention. The findings highlight the need for child-centered strategies—such as therapeutic play, parental presence, and effective communication—to reduce anxiety and enhance the emotional well-being of hospitalized children.