Impact of the Art Therapy on Anxiety and Depression of Hospitalized Children

Abstract

Background: The hospital setting itself can be a cause of both hope and distress to the ill children and their families. Prolonged hospitalization and advance medical procedures and care can lead to anxiety or depression. Aim of the Study: To assess reactive anxiety and depression level among hospitalized children before and after application of art therapy intervention at pediatric ward. Material & Method: A quantitative quasi-experimental, cross sectional design. The study conducted in the medical/surgical inpatient wards at in Tabuk City- King Salman Military Hospital. It was consecutive sample, the sample size was 30 child. The researcher used a tool to assess level of reactive anxiety and depression of hospitalized children. Results: The study results showed levels of HADS Anxiety for children before test and after, its reported that (23.33%) of children tested in the hospitals their anxiety level is border line pretest and (0%) on the same level after posttest. levels of HADS depression for children before test and after, its reported that (63.33%) of children tested in the hospitals their depression level is border line pretest and deceased to (13.33%) on the posttest. DAP test showed decrease in the anxiety and depression indexes in the posttest compared to the pretest. ANOVA indicated a significant time effect pre and posttest. Thus, there is a significant evidence that there was a change is art therapy.