A study on fear of medical experiences in school children

When kids anticipate “going to the doctor”, many become worried and apprehensive about the visit. Some fears and guilt feelings surface easily, so that kids can talk about them. Others are harbored secretly and remain unspoken. Health care experiences often involve separating children from family, friends & familiar environments. Invasion of the child's privacy & threats to body integrity are not uncommon. All of these experiences are threatening to children & will, depending on the child, produce some level of fear of medical experiences

The descriptive survey method was used. Samples comprised of 100 school children between the age group of 10–12 years and studying 6^th & 7^th standard. Convenient sampling technique was used to obtain a sample. Data was collected by using Child Medical Fears Scale.

The majority of children (50%) were in the age of 11 years. 53% of children were boys & 47% were girls. 50% of children were studying 6^th standard and another 50% studying 7^th standard. Majority of children (98%) had previous exposure to medical services. Majorities (64%) of children were having less fear toward medical experiences & there was no significant association between levels of fear of medical experiences among school children and their selected personal variables.

The study concluded that children were having less fear toward medical experiences. There was no association between the level of fear toward medical experiences among school children and their selected personal variables.