EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS FOR REDUCING CHILDREN'S FEAR IN CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL: USING PARENT'S ATTITUDES

Abstract

PurposeGetting sick and getting into an unfamiliar environment in the hospital makes children fear, discomfort and is considered as a very common stressor in such setting. Poor design of hospital environments can exacerbate behavioral disorders, as well as fear and anxiety in individuals. The main purpose of this study is to investigate and address the needs and preferences of children regarding the design of therapeutic environments.Design/Methodology/ApproachThe desk research method was used and data was collected through a questionnaire given to the parents of children in 17th Shahrivar Children's Hospital in Rasht city, Northern Iran. After the data of the questionnaires was collected, it was analyzed through spss22 software. Descriptive statistics (charts, mean ...) were used to analyze the data. Due to the nonparametric nature of the data, Spearman test was used in order to measure the correlation of variables.FindingsThe results showed that the components of entertainment and play, natural light, the presence of green space, cheerful atmosphere and the presence of family are among the most important environmental elements affecting the reduction of children's fears from the perspective of their parents.Research Limitations/Implicationsthe lack of direct involvement of the child in the study process as well as the cultural and economic differences are the main limitation of this study.Originality/ValueThis study is the first study on the design of children's medical environment using the opinion of their parents in Iran and in this regard.