Effect of Cartoon Projection and Ball Squeezing on Pain During Venipuncture in Children

University of Baghdad

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Venipuncture Pain

Treatments: Behavioral: Cartoon Projection Distraction; Behavioral: ball squeezing distraction

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07417852

UOB-CON-77-2026

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn which distraction method works better to reduce needle pain in children aged 4-12 years during blood draws.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

• Does watching cartoon videos lower children's pain more than squeezing a stress ball?

• Which method do parents prefer for their children?

  120 children will be randomly assigned to watch cartoons or squeeze a ball while nurses draw blood. Pain will be measured using a 0-10 pain scale right after the needle.

This study will help nurses choose the best way to make blood draws less painful for children.

Full description

This study compares two distraction methods (cartoon projection vs. ball squeezing) to reduce venipuncture pain in children aged 4-12 years.

120 children will be randomized 1:1 to receive either immersive cartoon videos or tactile stress ball distraction during routine blood draws at Karbala Pediatric Hospital.

Pain intensity (primary outcome) will be assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 0-10; higher=worse) immediately post-procedure.

The study protocol received ethical approval from University of Baghdad College of Nursing (No. 77, Jan 29, 2026).

Enrollment: 120 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 2 to 12 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 4-12 years
• Requiring venipuncture for routine blood testing
• Able to watch cartoon video during procedure
• Parental consent obtained

Exclusion criteria

• Developmental delay preventing cooperation
• Severe anxiety disorder
• Visual impairment
• Non-English/Arabic speaking parents

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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120 participants in 2 patient groups

Cartoon Projection Arm

Experimental group

Description:

Children receive immersive cartoon projection distraction during venipuncture

Treatment:

Behavioral: ball squeezing distraction

Behavioral: Cartoon Projection Distraction

ball squeezing arm

Experimental group

Description:

Children aged 4-12 years receive ball squeezing distraction during venipuncture

Treatment:

Behavioral: ball squeezing distraction