Hospitalized Children’s Needs in Their Own Words: A Self-Report Study

Understanding and addressing the multifaceted needs of hospitalized children is vital to improving their well-being and recovery. This study aims to determine the needs of hospitalised children in Iran. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 among 251 hospitalized children aged 7–18 years in the pediatric ward and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Data were collected between December 2024 and March 2025 using the standardized Needs of Hospitalized Children Questionnaire (NCQ), which comprises four domains: care, information, relationships, and activities. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation analyses, Mann–Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests, were applied using SPSS version 25. The most frequently reported activity-related needs included receiving rewards after painful procedures (77.3%) and access to a playroom (71.3%). Regarding the information aspects of the NCQ, returning to school (94.8%) and medication-related explanations (71.7%) were prioritized. Communication needs centered on being listened to by nurses (76.5%) and receiving care from familiar staff (74.1%). Regarding the care aspects of the NCQ, being understood by nurses (88%) and avoiding contact with distressed peers (85.7%) were most prominent. There was a negative correlation between age, activity, and communication. Providing high-quality pediatric care requires attention to children’s diverse and age-specific needs. Strategies such as play-based interventions, age-appropriate education, and consistent nurse–child communication can enhance both care experience and emotional well-being.