Effectiveness of Two Distraction Techniques in Altering Behaviour Response to Pain among Children (1-3 years) Receiving Immunisation at Selected Immunisation Clinics in Mangalore

- Immunisation is the strengthening of the defense mechanism against infection. Untreated immunisation pain causes undue distress. In addition to this, lack of pain control for injection is a barrier to immunisation. Distraction is an effective means to alter the behavioural response to pain by diverting the attention of the child from the immunisation shot. Compared to music, toy is an effective distracter because of its audiovisual impact. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of two distraction techniques in altering the behavioural responses to pain among children (1-3 years) receiving immunisation. Mehtod-An experimental approach with quasi experimental design was used. The study was conducted at different immunisation clinics of Mangalore. The sample comprised of 60 children aged 1-3 years. The sample was selected using purposive sampling technique and randomly assigned to Group I, Group II and Group III. Formal written permission was obtained from the hospital authorities. Data was collected using a behavioural observation scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result-The result of the study showed that Group II had significant higher behavioural response score than that of group I (t38=2.4897, Pless than0.05). ANOVA showed the significant difference among behavioural responses score of the three groups (F (2, 57) =6.7086, P less than 0.01). The findings of the study support the effectiveness of toy as a distracter compared to music. A toy can be used as a distracter in immunisation clinics to alter the behavioural responses while giving immunisation.