Comporison of the effects of music and white noise on fear, anxiety and pain levels in children undergoing endoscopy

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effects of music and white noise on fear, anxiety, and pain levels before, during, and after endoscopy in school-aged children. Method: The research was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental design. The sample consisted of 105 children aged 6–12 years who were scheduled to undergo endoscopy (music group: 35, white noise group: 35, control group: 35). Children in the intervention groups listened to either Acemashiran mode music or ocean wave sounds as white noise, depending on their assigned group. Data were collected in three phases: pre-procedure, during the procedure, and post-procedure. Data collection tools included: a data collection form for children, the Children's Fear Scale (CFS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC-S), the Faces Pain Scale–Revised (FPS-R), as well as measurements of pulse rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. For parents, a demographic form and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 27.0 software package. Results: In all groups, parental anxiety levels significantly decreased post-procedure compared to pre-procedure (p<0,05). Following endoscopy, children in the white noise group had significantly lower scores in fear, anxiety, and pain compared to those in the music and control groups (p<0,05). No statistically significant differences were found among the groups in terms of pulse rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation before, during, or after the procedure (p>0,05). All groups exhibited an increase in physiological parameters during the procedure and a decrease afterward. Conclusion: White noise was found to be more effective than music in reducing fear, anxiety, and pain during endoscopy in school-aged children. It is recommended that white noise, be utilized during other invasive medical procedures to promote comfort and reduce distress. Keywords: Pediatric Endoscopy, Fear, Anxiety, Pain, Music, White Noise