Publication

Abstract : Purpose : To assess the effectiveness of an organized play session on reaction of children to hospitalization and parental attitude towards play among hospitalized children between the age group of six to twelve years. Method : The research design of the study was Quasi experimental conducted among 44 hospitalized children and their parents. Sample selected by convenience sampling method and the study was conducted at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Center, Kochi, Kerala. Study instruments included an interview schedule to assess the reaction of children to hospitalization, a 5 point Likert scale to asses the parental attitude towards organized Play session among their hospitalized children and observational checklists used to determine the level of participation of children during play session for four consecutive days. Data was collected for six weeks. Results : All children 100%(44) showed severe reaction to hospitalization before the intervention. After the play session, reaction was reduced to a moderate level among 31.8%(14) of children. The parental attitude towards play activities of their hospitalized children are significantly varied, that is 81.8% (36) had favorable attitude towards play before the intervention and in post test it was improved to 97.7%(43). Significant association was found between parental attitude towards play and their educational status. (x2 =4.42, p=0.01). Conclusion : The study concludes that it is necessary to plan a conducive environment to hospitalized children, recruit nursing personnel with appropriate skills and training with techniques in conducting organized developmentally appropriate play sessions as a rehabilitation measure in pediatric wards.