The Effect of Gardening Activities on Anxiety and Psychosocial Symptoms of Hospitalized Children

The Effect of Gardening Activities on Anxiety and Psychosocial Symptoms of Hospitalized Children

The experience of hospitalization in childhood can often lead to traumatic consequences. Various practices (play, art therapy, music therapy, etc.) are used to help children cope with this process. In recent years, attention has been drawn to nature-based approaches in addition to existing practices. Within the scope of this approach, this study was planned in a parallel group (experimental-control) randomized controlled experimental design to determine the effect of garden activities on anxiety levels and psychosocial symptoms of hospitalized children aged 6-12 years. Hypotheses of the study H1: The gardening activities program applied to hospitalized children; H1a: There is an effect on children's anxiety. H1b: There is an effect on psychosocial symptoms of children. In this direction, the population of the study will consist of children between the ages of 6-12 in the children's ward of University Research and Application Hospital. The sample size determined as a result of G*power analysis was found as control (18) and intervention (18). The research will be conducted between September 2024 and June 2025. 'Child Descriptive Information Form', "Child Follow-up Form", "Child Anxiety Scale-Conditioning" and "Psychosocial Symptoms Diagnostic Scale for Hospitalized Children" will be used for data collection. The data collection process consists of three stages: pre-intervention period, intervention period and post-intervention period. Children in the intervention group will have three sessions of gardening activities within the scope of the 'Gardening Activities Program' during their hospitalization. Children in the control group will receive services within the scope of the routine treatment and nursing care protocol of the clinic during hospitalization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The age of the children is between 6-12 years old
• Hospitalization due to an acute medical diagnosis
• Hospitalization for at least 3 days
• Approval of the child's participation in the session by the responsible doctor
• The child is conscious and fully orientated
• Voluntariness of the child and parent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hospitalization for more than 7 days
• No previous hospitalization experience
• High-risk drug use
• Having a chronic disease that suppresses the immune system
• Having a special condition that prevents him/her from participating in garden activities (physical, mental disability)
• Having skin conditions that prevent them from participating in garden activities
• Plant allergy