A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Information Booklet on Knowledge regarding Impact of Play Therapy on Anxiety and Fear of Children among Staff Nurses Working in selected Pediatric Hospitals, Davangere

Children are the assets of a nation. Health plays a major role in the future of the children to withstand and meet personal, psychological, and social needs and fulfills the challenges in life. Play is a universal medium for all children’s. It is a pleasurable and enjoyable aspect of children’s life and essential to growth and development. Hospitalization constitutes an unpleasant experience for children, who suddenly have to leave the home and family members, and stop their favorite activities, including play. Objectives: To assess the pre test knowledge level of staff nurses regarding impact of play therapy on anxiety and fear of children. To assess the post test knowledge level of staff nurses regarding impact of play therapy on anxiety and fear of children. To evaluate the effectiveness of Information booklet on knowledge of staff nurses regarding impact of play therapy on anxiety and fear of children. To determine the association between pre test knowledge of staff nurses regarding impact of play therapy on anxiety and fear of children and selected demographic variables. Methods: A pre-experimental design and evaluative approach was used in the study. The data was collected from 60 subjects; through on probability convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using structured questionnaire. Results: Findings of the study revealed that 60% of the staff nurses had inadequate knowledge and 40% had moderate knowledge in the pretest. After administration of the information booklet 61.7% of the subjects had adequate knowledge, 38.3% had moderate knowledge regarding impact of play therapy on anxiety and fear of children in the post test. Conclusion: From the study findings, it is understood that the samples had moderate knowledge regarding the impact of play therapy on anxiety and fear of children among staff nurses working in selected pediatric hospitals. The knowledge level of the staff nurses is increased by providing information booklet. Hence the study emphasizes more responsibility on staff nurses in empowering children’s regarding the importance of play therapy.