Background: Circumcision is a medical procedure commonly performed on children but often triggers significant anxiety. If not properly managed, this anxiety can negatively affect the child's psychological condition and may lead to trauma. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as visual distraction using cartoon films, can serve as an effective strategy to divert the child’s attention from invasive procedures. Objective: To determine the effect of visual distraction in the form of watching cartoon films on anxiety levels in children aged 5–7 years during circumcision procedures. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group approach. A total of 60 boys were selected using an accidental sampling technique and divided into two groups: intervention and control, with 30 respondents in each. Inclusion criteria included children aged 5–7 years scheduled for circumcision, in stable physical and mental condition, able to communicate verbally, and having obtained parental or guardian consent. Anxiety levels were measured using the Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS). Data were analyzed using paired t-test and independent t-test. Results: The intervention group showed a significant decrease in anxiety levels after receiving the visual distraction (p = 0.000). The control group also experienced a decrease in anxiety, though to a lesser extent (p = 0.001). The independent t-test on post-intervention data showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.141). Conclusion: Visual distraction through cartoon films has been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels in children aged 5–7 years during circumcision. This intervention can be considered a practical and applicable non-pharmacological alternative in pediatric nursing practice.
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.