Fish or puppets: which distraction works best for needle-phobic kids?

NCT ID NCT07731347

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: Igdir University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This trial tests whether two simple distractions — watching a betta fish or playing with a hand puppet — can lower pain, fear, and anxiety in children aged 5 to 7 during a blood draw. One group will use the fish, another the puppet, and a third will receive standard care. Researchers will measure pain, fear, and anxiety using validated scales before, during, and after the procedure.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: distraction methods: betta fish observation and hand puppets
What this could lead to: If effective, these simple, drug-free distractions could offer a low-cost way to make blood draws less stressful for young children.
What could go wrong: This is a small, single-center trial, and results may not apply to all children or settings. The effect may be modest or no better than standard care.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder CHILD syndrome Pain phobic disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BLOOD SAMPLING CHILD, ONLY FEAR NURSE'S ROLE PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Igdır University

Iğdır, Iğdır, 76000, Turkey (Türkiye)

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