Factors Associated with Children's Ineffective Coping Behavior during Blood Sampling

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the factors associated with ineffective coping behaviors exhibited by children during blood sampling.
Materials and Methods: Coping behavior of 49 children aged 3-6 years was observed based on the Manifest Upset and Cooperation Scales during blood sampling; their parents responded to a questionnaire before the procedure. We obtained permission after an ethical examination of the facility with which the researchers were affiliated.
Results: Children were assigned to ineffective (n = 12) and effective (n = 35) coping behavior groups based on the Manifest Upset and Cooperation Scales. The children in the ineffective coping behavior group were younger than those in the effective coping behavior group (p = .013). The child's tendency toward ineffective coping behavior before blood sampling and the parent's prediction was higher in the ineffective coping behavior group as compared with the effective coping behavior group (p = .000). Multiple regression analysis revealed that the parent's prediction based on the Manifest Upset Scale was the significant factor that influenced a child's coping behavior.
Conclusion: The study findings suggest that it is important to take into consideration a child's age and behavior, and the parent's prediction before blood sampling.