Impact of Parental Proxy-Reported Pre-Operative Fear on Sleep Quality in Paediatric Day Surgery: A Comparative Analysis of Elective and Acute Procedures
Atiye Karakul, Ceyda Nur Uğurlu, Dilan Çoban, Melike Sümeyye SönmezBackground
Pre-operative fear may negatively affect sleep quality and perioperative adaptation in preschool-aged children undergoing paediatric day surgery.
Aims
This study aimed to examine the impact of pre-operative fear on sleep quality in children aged 3 to 6 years scheduled for paediatric day surgery, and to compare fear and sleep quality outcomes between those undergoing elective and acute procedures.
Methods
This descriptive, cross-sectional and correlational study was conducted using parental proxy reports with 178 parents of preschool children scheduled for surgery in a paediatric surgery department between March and December 2024. In collecting research data, Introductory Information Form, Child Fear Scale, and Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire were used.
Results
The mean age of the children in the study was 4.29 ± 1.38 years (minimum: 3 years; maximum: 6 years); and the parents were 32.89 ± 6.13 years (minimum: 23 years; maximum: 49 years). The mean total score on the Child Fear Scale was 2.09 ± 1.38; the mean total score on the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire was 54.72 ± 4.40. A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between the Child Fear Scale and the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (
Conclusions/Implications Nursing
Parental proxy-reported pre-operative fear was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality in preschool-aged children undergoing paediatric day surgery. These findings suggest that anticipatory stress related to planned surgery may adversely affect perioperative sleep behaviours in young children.