This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of a digital storytelling-based animation on preoperative anxiety and physiological parameters in children aged 5-12 years undergoing dental treatment under general anesthesia. Participants are randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which watches a digital storytelling-based animation before the procedure, or a control group receiving standard preoperative care. Anxiety is assessed using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces (MCDAS-F) and Facial Image Scale (FIS). Physiological parameters, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, are also evaluated. The study aims to determine whether the animation-based intervention reduces preoperative anxiety and physiological stress responses in children.
This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted with children aged 5-12 years scheduled to undergo dental treatment under general anesthesia. The study investigates whether a digital storytelling-based animation presented during the preoperative period can reduce children's anxiety and physiological stress responses. Participants are randomly allocated to an intervention group or a control group. Children in the intervention group watch a digital storytelling-based animation before the procedure, whereas children in the control group receive standard preoperative care without the animation intervention. Children's anxiety is evaluated using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces (MCDAS-F) and the Facial Image Scale (FIS) before and after the intervention. Physiological parameters, including heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, are assessed at predefined time points during the perioperative period. The primary objective is to evaluate the effect of the digital storytelling-based animation on preoperative anxiety. The secondary objective is to evaluate its effect on physiological parameters associated with the stress response.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
70
Children in the experimental group watched a digital storytelling-based animation during the preoperative period before intravenous access. The animation was designed to familiarize children with the perioperative process in an age-appropriate and engaging manner and to reduce preoperative anxiety.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan University Faculty of Dentistry
Rize, Rize Province, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Preoperative Anxiety Measured by the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces (MCDAS-F)
Children's preoperative anxiety was assessed using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces (MCDAS-F). The scale consists of 8 items, each scored from 1 to 5, resulting in a total score ranging from 8 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater dental anxiety. MCDAS-F scores were assessed before and after the digital storytelling-based animation intervention in the experimental group and at corresponding time points in the control group.
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the intervention on the day of surgery
Change in Preoperative Anxiety Measured by the Facial Image Scale (FIS)
Children's preoperative anxiety was assessed using the Facial Image Scale (FIS). The FIS consists of five faces ranging from very happy to very unhappy and is scored from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate greater anxiety. FIS scores were assessed before and after the intervention in the experimental group and at corresponding time points in the control group.
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the intervention on the day of surgery
Change in Heart Rate
Heart rate was measured in beats per minute (bpm) at four predefined time points to evaluate physiological responses associated with preoperative anxiety and the intervention.
Time frame: Before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, before general anesthesia induction, and 2 hours postoperatively
Change in Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) was measured using pulse oximetry and recorded as a percentage (%) at four predefined time points to evaluate physiological responses associated with preoperative anxiety and the intervention.
Time frame: Before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, before general anesthesia induction, and 2 hours postoperatively
Change in Respiratory Rate
Respiratory rate was measured as the number of breaths per minute at four predefined time points to evaluate physiological responses associated with preoperative anxiety and the intervention.
Time frame: Before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, before general anesthesia induction, and 2 hours postoperatively
Change in Blood Pressure
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) at four predefined time points to evaluate physiological responses associated with preoperative anxiety and the intervention.
Time frame: Before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, before general anesthesia induction, and 2 hours postoperatively
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