Vol. 4, Issue 10 (2015)

Objectives

1. To assess the existing level of stress and anxiety among the children of experimental group and control group.

2. To evaluate effectiveness of art therapy on stress and anxiety among children on experimental group.

3. To compare the effectiveness of art therapy on the level of stress and anxiety among children of experimental group and control group.

4. To associate pre-test level of stress and anxiety with selected demographic variables among children with cancer.

Methods: The quantitative study was conducted at cancer treating hospitals from selected cities in Maharashtra, India. 30 school age children (15 in control group and 15 in experimental group) were included using non-probability convenience sampling technique and quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test research design was used. Data was collected by using a perceived stress scale-children (stress) and HAM-A scale (Anxiety). Art therapy including drawing, painting and ceramic art given to only experimental group. Data calculated by using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Result: The major findings of the study were, Maximum samples 8 (53.33%) belong to age group of 10 -12 years whereas 6 (60%) belong to age group 7 - 9 years as experimental and control group respectively. In both group majority sample 9 (60%) and 11 (73.33%) were male. Maximum 11 (73.33%) and 10 (66.67%) from Hindu religion in both groups. Maximum 9 (60%) and 8 (53.33%) parents were working in private or government sector as well as 9 (60%) and 10 (66.67%) had their monthly income more than 15000 per month in experimental and control group. In experimental group Majority 7 (46.67%) samples had their duration of illness 1 - 2 year whereas in control group 7 (46.67%) had their duration of illness < 1 year. Maximum 5 (33.33%) and 6 (40%) received chemotherapy in both groups. In experimental group 6 (40%) samples selected ceramic art and 6 (40%) samples selected painting in the control group.There were no any significant associations found between stress score with socio- demographic characteristics of the samples. There was significant association found between score of anxiety and demographic variable of Hindu religion (0.0002) at <0.05.

Conclusion: Nurses, will be play important role to demonstrate and participate in art therapy for promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety among the children with cancer.