“Pre-Immunization Ice Therapy as a Pain Reduction Strategy for Intramuscular Injections in Toddlers”

Abstract

Background of study: Pain is measured to be the most vital problem that essential to be examined by some health care professionals. Pain is 1st experienced during childhood. First indicated in English in 1297, the word peyn arises from the Old French peine, in turn from Latin poena meaning "punishment, penalty" (also meaning "torment, hardship, suffering" in Late Latin) and that from Greek ποινή (poine), usually meaning "price paid, penalty, punishment”. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of Ice application prior to Intra Muscular Immunization in reducing pain among toddlers.

Material and Method: A quasi-experimental research design (post-test only with control group) was employed to study toddlers receiving intramuscular immunization. A total of 60 participants were selected using a non-probability, simple convenience sampling technique. Pain levels were assessed using the FLACC scale. Prior to immunization, ice was applied to the injection site in the experimental group

Result: The data gathered were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics method and interpretation were made on the basis of the objectives of the study. In the experimental group, the mean pain score was 3.2 with a standard deviation of 0.748, while the control group had a mean score of 8.13 with a standard deviation of 0.825. The calculated t-value was 24.65, indicating a statistically significant difference between the groups at p < 0.05. Hence the research Hypothesis H1 is accepted, there is a significant difference in pain response during intra muscular immunization among experimental and control group.

Discussion: The study demonstrated that ice thera prior to intramuscular immunization significantly reduced pain among toddlers, with the experimental group showing lower pain scores compared to the control group. This non-pharmacological intervention effectively numbs the injection site, minimizing discomfort. No significant associations were found between demographic variables and pain reduction. Ice application is a simple, safe, and effective method that can enhance comfort during routine pediatric procedures.