The effects of presence and guidance of a teacher on the anxiety of hospitalized children

Abstract

Background: Anxiety disorders are the most prevalent class of psychiatric disorders that affect both children and adolescents. There is no doubt that in order for children to feel active, the need for education during their hospitalization period and convalescence exists. <br/>Aim: To determine the effect of presence of the teacher on anxiety of hospitalized children <br/>Methods: This study was a clinical trial that was conducted on 50 children admitted to pediatric ward of Imam Reza hospital and the children were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, teachers were present at children's bedside for daily education and practices. The data collection tool was a child's anxiety assessment form, which was completed at the admission and discharge by interviewing the children. Data were analyzed with independent t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficients, using SPSS software version 11.5. <br/>Results: 32 patients in the study group and 31 in control group were girls; 18 patients in the study group and 14 patients in the control group were studying in third grade. Prior to the study, anxiety scores between the two groups were not significantly different. Basis on the results of the paired T-test, the anxiety scores of the study group before the intervention (44.86 ± 3.44) and after that (41.25 ± 2.29) were significantly different. The independent t-test results showed a significant difference between the mean anxiety score in the study group (p <0.004) and control (p = 0.53) after the intervention. <br/>Conclusion: the presence of a teacher can be beneficial for decreasing the anxiety levels of hospitalized children and the problems that can occur under the influence of anxiety.