Parents' State and Trait Anxiety Levels During Bloodletting Attempts in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction: Parental stress and anxiety during pediatric bloodletting in the pediatric emergency department (PED) are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including the child's medical condition, unfamiliaritywith procedures, healthcare-provider interactions, and parental knowledge gaps. This study aimed to identify parents' state and trait anxiety levels during bloodletting procedures performed on their children in the PED and to explore factors influencing these anxiety levels. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the PED of a tertiary hospital in the southeast of Turkiye. Data were collected from 180 parents using a questionnaire that included a socio-demographic information form, and the state-trait anxiety inventory. Data were collected between 6 January 2025 and 20 February 2025. The data were analysed using the IBM SPSS statistics for Windows version 22.0. Results: Parents exhibited moderate levels of anxiety, with mean state anxiety scores of 41.494 +/- 10.322 and trait anxiety scores of 39.189 +/- 9.370. Mothers reported significantly higher trait anxiety levels compared to fathers (41.944 +/- 9.012 vs. 35.056 +/- 8.371, p<0.001). Lower maternal education levels, non-working status, and lower income were associated with higher trait anxiety. Parents who received education about their child's illness had significantly lower anxiety levels (p<0.05). Satisfaction with healthcare staff communication and information provision also correlated with reduced anxiety. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant anxiety experienced by parents during pediatric bloodletting procedures, particularly among mothers and those with lower socio-economic status. Providing educational support and improving communication between healthcare staff and parents can help to alleviate parental anxiety. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to support parents in PED settings.