Research Article: Picturing Bravery: A Rapid Review of Needle Procedures Depicted in Children’s Picture Books
Abstract:
Existing research has identified evidence-based strategies for mitigating fear and pain during needle procedures; yet, families often experience limited access to health professionals who deliver these interventions. Children may benefit from learning about such strategies in a developmentally appropriate and accessible format such as a picture book. This review aimed to summarize content related to needle procedures represented in picture books for 5- to 8-year-old children. Key terms were searched on Amazon, and the website was used to screen for relevant eligibility criteria. Three levels of screening and exclusions resulted in a final sample of 48 books. Quantitative content analysis was used to apply a coding scheme developed based on relevant Clinical Practice Guidelines and systematic reviews. Cohen’s Kappa indicated strong reliability, and frequencies were calculated to summarize the content. The books were published between 1981 and 2022. All 48 books included at least one evidence-based coping strategy. Distressing aspects such as scary visuals were often included (27.1%), as well as specific expressions of fear (52.1%) and pain (16.7%). Overall, this study paves the way for researchers interested in evaluating the effectiveness of picture books on children’s knowledge and self-efficacy, as well as creating interventions for coping.
Introduction:
Undergoing needle procedures is a common experience throughout childhood [1]. In fact, children in Canada between the ages of 4 and 6 need vaccinations to start school and then continue to receive 1–2 yearly needles for booster and influenza vaccinations [2]. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, children are also being offered the COVID-19 vaccination and booster doses, which add to the over two dozen needles children may receive by the age of 18 [2]. Unfortunately, over half of children between the ages of 4 and 8 are…
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