Anxiety in Hospitalized Children

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the level of anxiety among children ages 7 to 11 during and after hospitalization, the effect of which varies in intensity and fluctuates with time; to explore the relationship between that level and ages; and to detect the level of anxiety with respect to gender, prior admissions and the moment of hospitalization.

Materials and methods: A descriptive and correlational study was done using a systematic probabilistic sample initiated at random. Sample size: 155 children. Procedure: measurements taken at three points in time during and after hospitalization. Point one: 12 hours after admission; point two: 12 hours prior to release; and point three: 10 days after release. A multiple linear regression model was adjusted for each point in time; the independent variables were sex, age and prior admissions compared to the anxiety index. Place: a second tier institution in Tampico, Tamaulipas. Instrument: "How do I feel?" Questionnaire (C-1 of Spielberger?s State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, STAIC). Reliability ratio: Cronbach's alpha =.94.

Results: The average rates of anxiety at the three points in time are not equal, as demonstrated by the Anova test for repeated measurements, which proved to be significant (F _{(2, 308)} = 1327.09, p < 0.001). The Kolmogorov Smirnov test did not show normal distribution. Spearman?s correlation coefficient showed a significant negative correlation at point three, with respect to age. In other words, the older the child, the lower the level of anxiety. Given the high reliability of the inventory, it is recommended the measurement be repeated at 30 days after release from the hospital.