ABSTRACT
The presence of clowns in health care settings is a program used in many countries to reduce distress in children who are undergoing surgery. The aim of the present study is to determine the effect of the presence of clowns on children's distress and maladaptive behaviours while in hospital for minor surgery. The sample consisted of 61 pediatric patients (aged 3-12 years) undergoing general anesthesia for minor surgery. Participants were assigned to two groups: experimental and control group. The child's distress was assessed using FAS (Facial Affective Scale). Postoperative maladaptive behaviors were evaluated one week after surgery, using the PHBQ (Post-Hospital Behavior Questionnaire). Our results suggest that clowns are not able to reduce the child's level of distress. However, postoperative maladaptive behaviours in the experimental group decreased, but the decrease was not statistically significant. Further research is needed to determine the effects of clowns in hospitals, taking into account age, sex, parents' presence, and diverse hospital settings.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Child Behavior Disorders/prevention & control , Child, Hospitalized/psychology , Laughter Therapy , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Psychology, Child , Stress, Psychological/prevention & control , Surgical Procedures, Operative , Age Factors , Child , Child Behavior Disorders/etiology , Child Behavior Disorders/psychology , Child, Preschool , Fear , Female , Humans , Laughter Therapy/adverse effects , Male , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Postoperative Complications/psychology , Stress, Psychological/etiology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Rectus sheath haematoma (RSH) is a well-documented but uncommon clinical condition. It is usually a self-limiting condition but can present as a life-threatening emergency. RSH after non-contact vigorous exercise is unknown. Two such cases secondary to yoga and laughter therapy sessions, respectively, are reported. One of them required surgical intervention, whereas the other was successfully treated conservatively.
