EFFECT OF MEDICAL PUZZLE GAME ON REDUCING PARENT REPORTED HOSPITALIZATION ANXIETY IN PRESCHOOL

Background: Anxiety is a common problem among preschool children during hospitalization, often leading to crying, fear, and reluctance to undergo medical procedures. Puzzle games can serve as an alternative intervention to reduce hospitalization-induced anxiety.           Research Objective: To examine the effect of puzzle games on reducing anxiety levels in hospitalized preschool children. Research design: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest-posttest design with control and intervention groups. The study involved 72 respondents, with 36 children in the intervention group and 36 in the control group. Participants were preschool-aged children (3–6 years) who were hospitalized. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Anxiety levels were measured using the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale-Parent Report (SCAS-Parent Report), which had been modified for the study. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and the Mann-Whitney U Test. Result: The intervention group showed a significant reduction in anxiety levels compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The mean difference in anxiety scores between groups indicated that puzzle games effectively reduced anxiety in preschool children. Conclusion: Puzzle games are an effective intervention to reduce hospitalization-induced anxiety in preschool children.