In the intervention group, a supportive touch intervention was applied during the intramuscular injection to provide emotional support to the patient. Immediately before the injection, the researcher demonstrated the procedure to the patient's companion with a brief example and provided guidance on how the hand should be held. During the injection, the companion held the patient's hand with both hands, offering a calm, silent, and supportive presence. Throughout this process, the nurse was responsible only for administering the intramuscular injection and ensuring clinical safety; the nurse did not participate in the intervention. After the injection was completed, the patient's pain level was assessed using the VAS scale based on self-report.

Participants in this group received no additional intervention; the intramuscular injection was administered in accordance with routine clinical practice. After the injection was completed, the patient's pain level was assessed using the same VAS scale based on self-report, as in the intervention group.

This intervention involves supportive hand-holding by the patient's companion during the intramuscular injection. Immediately before the injection, the researcher briefly demonstrated to the companion how the hand should be held and provided simple guidance. During the injection, the companion held the patient's hand with both hands, offering a calm, silent, and emotionally supportive presence. The nurse was responsible only for administering the intramuscular injection and monitoring clinical safety; the nurse did not participate in the intervention itself. After the injection, the patient's pain level was assessed using the VAS scale based on self-report.