NCT07417852

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

Effect of Immersive Cartoon Projection and Ball Squeezing on Pain During Venipuncture Among Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 120 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Baghdad · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 2 Years – 12 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed 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).

Conditions

• Venipuncture Pain

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Cartoon Projection Distraction	Immersive cartoon videos during venipuncture'
BEHAVIORAL	ball squeezing distraction	Stress ball squeezing during venipuncture'

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-03-01
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2027-01-01
• First posted: 2026-02-18
• Last updated: 2026-02-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Iraq