Purpose: This study explored the effect of comfort-oriented nursing care based on comfort theory on reducing perioperative anxiety and fear in children undergoing surgical circumcision.
Design: Randomized controlled trial.
Method: The study was completed with the participation of children circumcised in a hospital in Turkey using the same surgeon, anesthesia, and surgical technique. A total of 120 children meeting the inclusion criteria and providing consent to participate in the study were randomly divided into two equal groups. The study was conducted between June and September 2019. The intervention group received comfort-oriented nursing care based on the comfort theory. The control group received routine nursing care. Data were collected using the Children's Anxiety Meter-State and Children's Fear Scale. Outcome variables were determined at seven measurement points, including baseline, five intermediate points, and at the follow-up visit on the 10th postoperative day.
Results: A statistically significant difference in the fear of the group receiving comfort-oriented nursing care based on comfort theory was noted compared with the control group.
Conclusion: Comfort-oriented nursing care based on the comfort theory was effective in reducing perioperative anxiety and fear among children undergoing surgical circumcision. This study is important given that comfort-oriented nursing care based on the comfort theory may be applied to those receiving care in pediatric surgery.
Keywords: Kolcaba's Theory of Comfort; anxiety; fear; perioperative period; surgical circumcision.
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