J Pediatr Hematol Oncol Nurs. 2025 Jul 15:27527530251342163. doi: 10.1177/27527530251342163. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BackgroundAnxiety is highly prevalent among pediatric oncology patients. Weighted blankets are a potential intervention to address anxiety for pediatric oncology patients. The goal of this work is to assess the effectiveness of weighted blankets in reducing anxiety for pediatric oncology patients. Method: A randomized 2 × 2 cross-over design was utilized. Newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients between the age of 4 and 17 were included. All participants also needed to pass seriation screening to be able to eligible for the study. Participants were randomized to one of two arms: weighted blanket on first infusion visit after enrollment then usual care on second visit (WB:UC) or usual care on first infusion visit after enrollment then weighted blanket (UC:WB) on second visit. Anxiety via Children’s Anxiety Meter-State (CAM-S) was collected pre- and postinfusion visit. Descriptive statistics were conducted to describe the data. A linear mixed model with interaction effects was conducted to assess the treatment effect of the weighted blanket. Results: There were 26 participants who were enrolled in the study. Twenty-four with complete information were included in the analysis. Regression models revealed that CAM-S measure reduced by -0.71 (95% CI: [-1.25 to -0.19], p = .02). WB had more impact on the second visit (
PMID:40662270 | DOI:10.1177/27527530251342163
