Effect of Recreational Play Activities on Anxiety in Children Receiving Chemotherapy and Their Parents

The Effect of Nurse-Led Recreational Play Activities on Anxiety Levels of Children Undergoing Chemotherapy and Their Parents: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This single-group pretest-posttest study evaluated changes in anxiety levels among children undergoing inpatient chemotherapy and their parents following nurse-led recreational play activities. Thirty-one child-parent pairs completed the study. Child anxiety was assessed using the Children's State Anxiety Scale, and parent anxiety was assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory Form-I immediately before and immediately after the recreational play intervention.

This study aimed to examine the effect of recreational play activities on anxiety levels of children undergoing chemotherapy and their parents. A quasi-experimental study design was used. The study was conducted in a pediatric oncology unit and included children receiving chemotherapy and their parents who met the inclusion criteria.

Participants were assigned to an intervention group that received structured recreational play activities in addition to routine care. Recreational play activities were planned according to the age and developmental level of the children and were implemented during chemotherapy sessions. The activities included age-appropriate games and play-based interactions designed to promote relaxation, emotional expression, and coping.

Anxiety levels of children and parents were assessed before and after the intervention using validated anxiety measurement scales. Demographic and clinical data were also collected. The primary outcome of the study was the change in anxiety levels of children and parents following participation in recreational play activities.

Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant Clinical Research Ethics Committee prior to the initiation of the study. Written informed consent was obtained from parents, and assent was obtained from children when appropriate. All study procedures were conducted in accordance with ethical principles and institutional guidelines.

The results of this study provide evidence on the effectiveness of recreational play activities as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention to reduce anxiety in pediatric oncology settings and support the integration of play-based approaches into routine clinical care.

Inclusion Criteria:

Children aged 4-10 years who were hospitalized for chemotherapy treatment in the pediatric oncology and hematology clinic Willingness of both the child and parent to participate Written informed consent provided by the parent Parent able to read and write Turkish

Exclusion Criteria:

A major stressful life event unrelated to the illness during the previous six months, such as parental divorce, relocation, or death of a family member A clinically unstable condition preventing participation in recreational activities Terminal-stage disease