Children's medical fears, coping behaviour patterns and pain perceptions during a lumbar puncture
This study explored the relationships among medical fears, coping behaviour patterns and acute pain perceptions in 17 children with cancer who were encountering a painful medical procedure. The children completed the Child Medical Fear Scale (CMFS) before undergoing a lumbar puncture (LP), which was videotaped. The children's coping behaviour during the procedure was rated independently and classified as active or passive behaviour. Immediately following the LP, the children, using a pictorial scale, reported their pain perceptions. Most of the children's scores on the CMFS indicated a moderately low level of fear of medical experiences. A majority of the children perceived a great deal of pain during the LP. During the five phases of the painful medical procedure, more than half of the children exhibited a combination of active and passive behaviour. No significant differences were found between exhibited active or passive coping behaviour and reported medical fear levels; however, children who exhibited passive coping behaviour patterns reported more pain than those who demonstrated active coping behaviour. Implications for practice relate to the need for continual preparation and support of children during a painful procedure. Copyright © 1994, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Duke Scholars
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Related Subject Headings
- Oncology & Carcinogenesis
- 4205 Nursing
- 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis
- 1117 Public Health and Health Services
- 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis
- 1110 Nursing
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Oncology & Carcinogenesis
- 4205 Nursing
- 3211 Oncology and carcinogenesis
- 1117 Public Health and Health Services
- 1112 Oncology and Carcinogenesis
- 1110 Nursing