Comparison of the effectiveness of oral sucrose solution and topical anaesthetics during immunization in infants between age 6 weeks-6 months

Abstract

Background: Routine childhood immunization is a proven tool for eradicating and controlling infectious diseases. Despite its key role in maintaining global public health, many individuals either refuse or delay immunization because of pain from the needle puncture. Several methods have been employed to reduce injection pain during immunization in children.Methods: Study comprised of 210 healthy infants coming for immunizations. They were divided into three groups A, B and C having equal number of infants. Group A was given oral sucrose solution, group B was given topical anaesthetic prior to immunization; whereas group C acted as controls. Response to pain was recorded among the three groups and findings were analyzed.Results: Infants enrolled in group A, i.e. those who were given 24% oral sucrose solution before immunization showed significant reduction in pain (measured by modified behaviour pain scale) as compared to control group at 15 seconds and 60 seconds of injection administration. Infants enrolled in group B, i.e. those who were sprayed topical local anaesthetics (10% lignocaine spray) before immunization showed significant reduction in pain as compared to control group at 15 seconds and 60 seconds of injection administration.Conclusions: Administration of oral sucrose solution and application of topical local anaesthetics are effective measures to reduce injection pain during immunization. Administration of oral sucrose solution before immunization showed greater reduction in pain as compared to application of topical local anaesthetics in present study.