Impact of Video Games Compared to Storytelling on Preoperative Anxiety and Fear among Children undergoing Surgery

Background: Hospitalization and surgery are traumatic experiences for kids. Children might lessen their preoperative anxiety and worry through play activities. The aim of the study: is to evaluate the impact of video games compared to storytelling on preoperative anxiety and fear among children undergoing surgery. Design: In the current study, a quasi-experimental research approach was used. Sample: 150 preschool-age children (3-6 years) were equally and randomly divided into three groups: the control group (fifty children), the video game group (fifty children), and the storytelling group (fifty children). Setting: The current research was applied to the inpatient Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department at Minia University Hospital, and the Pediatric surgical hospital which is affiliated with Minia University Hospital. Tools: Three tools were utilized in the current study; a structured interview questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), and the Glasses Fear Scale (GFS). Results: Preoperative fear and anxiety were lower among studied groups after video games and storytelling than before. The lowest scores of STAIC and GFS were in the video games group, followed by the storytelling group, and finally the control group. A highly statistically significant difference (P=0.000)was detected between the total mean score of STAIC and GFS before and after the test. Conclusion: Compared to children in the control group who just received regular medical care, playing video games and using storytelling as a distraction tactic for children facing surgery is an excellent method for easing their preoperative anxiety and worry.