Effects of Cartoons and Mobile Games on Preoperative Anxiety and Fear in Children With Appendicitis: An RCT

his study aims to evaluate the effects of cartoon viewing and mobile game playing on preoperative anxiety and fear levels in children aged 7-12 years who are hospitalized for appendicitis surgery. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial with three groups: a cartoon group, a mobile game group, and a control group receiving routine care. Children in the intervention groups will watch a cartoon or play a mobile game for 10 minutes before surgery. Anxiety and fear levels will be measured using validated scales before and after the intervention. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to atraumatic care practices by providing simple and effective non-pharmacological methods to reduce preoperative anxiety and fear in children.

Inclusion Criteria: * Being hospitalized in the Pediatric Surgery Service with a diagnosis of appendicitis. * Being between the ages of 7 and 12 years. * Voluntary consent/assent from both the child and their parents to participate in the study. * Absence of any visual, auditory, or cognitive problems that prevent communication. * Not having received any analgesics before the intervention. Exclusion Criteria: * Refusal to participate in the study voluntarily. * Having a condition that prevents communication due to vision, hearing, speech, or mental health status. * Being in an agitated state or unable to cooperate. * Having received analgesics due to pain before the study.