Coloring away fear: simple activity may soothe kids before surgery
NCT ID NCT07203820
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether having children color a ready-made picture template before circumcision reduces their anxiety and fear. Fifty children aged 5-10 were randomly assigned to either a coloring group or a control group. Researchers measured anxiety and fear using child- and mother-reported scales just before 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
- Ready-made picture template coloring activity
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to help children feel calmer and less scared before medical procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, single-center study with only 50 children, so results may not apply to all kids or settings. The coloring activity may not reduce anxiety for every child.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Harran University
Sanliurfa, Turkey (Türkiye)
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