The effect of cartoon character-printed band use during burn dressing on fear, stress, pain, and physiological parameters in children: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effects of cartoon character-printed bands on fear, stress, pain, and physiological parameters in children. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted. METHODS: This single-center study included 42 children (aged 7-10 years) undergoing burn dressing. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (cartoon character-printed band, n = 21) or a control group (standard dressing, n = 21). Data were collected using the Children's Fear Scale, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Perceived Stress Scale for Children, and monitoring of vital signs. Outcomes were assessed before and after the procedure and analyzed using mixed between-within ANOVA. RESULTS: Significant group × time interactions were found for fear (F = 56.178, p < .001, \eta^2 = 0.584), stress (F = 83.997, p < .001, \eta^2 = 0.677), and pain (F = 48.338, p < .001, \eta^2 = 0.547), showing substantial reductions in the intervention group. Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in oxygen saturation (p < .001, \eta^2 = 0.411) and a decrease in heart rate (p < .001, \eta^2 = 0.312). No significant differences were observed in body temperature or respiratory rate. CONCLUSIONS: Cartoon character-printed bands appear to be a promising, low-cost, and easily applicable non-pharmacological nursing intervention. Integrating these distraction-based materials into routine care may help reduce procedural distress and support selected physiological outcomes in this sample. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This intervention has the potential to be incorporated into standard pediatric nursing care without requiring additional training or equipment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT07313735.