This initial study supports the validity of the numeric 0-10 anxiety self-report scale to assess state anxiety in children as young as 7 yr.

The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing children's (7-13 years) tonsillectomy experiences and outcomes. A prospective, repeated measures, design was used to investigate the effect of age, gender, ethnicity, time, and previous pain, hospitalization and surgery on children's (N = 60) perceptions of anxiety, pain intensity, quality of pain and sleep, and oral intake. The relationship between postoperative pain and anxiety was also examined. Using a diary, three days of data were collected. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, and a mixed linear regression model were used for analysis. Children's tonsillectomy experiences and outcomes were affected by time, previous experience, age, and anxiety. Moderate correlations were found between level of anxiety and pain intensity. These findings provide clinicians with additional knowledge to guide their perioperative practice and care of children.

No abstract

No abstract

The APPT is particularly valuable when clinicians encounter children and adolescents experiencing complex, difficult to manage pain.