The effect of using a dragon-themed nebulizer mask on treatment application duration, adherence, and fear in children presenting to the emergency department: A randomized controlled trial.

Authors

Eyşan Hanzade Savaş, Gülzade Uysal, Melike Yılmaz Akdağ, Aylin Akça Sümengen, Remziye Semerci Şahin

Published in

Journal of pediatric nursing. Oct 23, 2026. Epub Oct 23, 2026.

Abstract

Nebulizer therapy can be distressing for young children, increasing fear, reducing cooperation, and prolonging treatment. This study examined the effects of a dragon-themed nebulizer mask on treatment duration, adherence, and fear in children receiving inhalation therapy in the pediatric emergency department.
This parallel-group randomized controlled trial was conducted between January and March 2026 in the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Istanbul. A total of 140 children aged 3-6 years requiring nebulizer therapy were randomized to either the intervention group (dragon-themed nebulizer mask, n = 70) or the control group (standard care, n = 70). Data were collected using the Demographic Information Form, Fear Scale, and Treatment Duration and Adherence Assessment Form. The researcher-nurse recorded outcomes. The study followed CONSORT guidelines and was registered as a clinical trial (Clinical Trial ID: NCT06568120).
Baseline demographic characteristics were comparable between the groups (p > 0.05). The intervention group had significantly lower fear scores (p < 0.001, d = 3.05; 95% CI: 2.56-3.54) and shorter treatment duration (p = 0.012, d = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.14-0.81) than the control group. No significant between-group differences were observed in behavioral responses, including crying, treatment refusal, anger, or mask removal (all p > 0.05).
The dragon-themed nebulizer mask reduced fear and shortened treatment duration in preschool children receiving inhalation therapy in the pediatric emergency department. Child-friendly medical equipment may therefore represent a simple, low-cost strategy to improve treatment adherence and the overall treatment experience.

PMID:
42919686
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 24 Oct 2026.

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