Iran Journal of Nursing

  Background : Hospitalization is a fear producing even in children and their families. There are many ways to reduce the fear of hospitalized children, one of which is play, but it's effect is not longstanding.

  Objective : To determine the effect of play on the fear of hospitalized children.

  Design : This study was a randomized clinical trial with control group. At the beginning of trial the fear intensity of both groups were measured by Broom's questionnaire. Then the children of trial group had the chance of playing in play room for half an hour. One and five hours after playing both groups answered questionnaire again.

  Samples: 82 school age hospitalized children were randomly assigned in two groups. Forty six children in control group (without play) and 46 in case group (with play).

  Results : The finding indicated that the play reduced the fear of children in case group after one hour (p= 0.026), but the effect did not lasts long (5 hours afterwards).

  Conclusion : By providing play room in children's ward we can decrease the fear and anxiety of hospitalized children. Play is the ''work'' of children. Nurses should provide opportunity for hospitalized children to play. For the continuity of play it is suggested that the hospitals, play rooms be active during the day.