Application Of Art Drawing Play Therapy On Anxiety Level In Children With Thalassemia At Indriati Solo Baru Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Thalassemia is a chronic hereditary disease requiring lifelong blood transfusions, which often causes anxiety in hospitalized children. Anxiety may negatively affect children's emotional well-being and cooperation during treatment. Art drawing play therapy is a simple non-pharmacological intervention that may help reduce anxiety during hospitalization.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of art drawing play therapy in reducing anxiety among hospitalized children with thalassemia.

Methods: This observational case study involved two children with thalassemia hospitalized at Indriati Solo Baru Hospital. Anxiety was assessed using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) before and after a 30-minute art drawing play therapy session.

Results: Anxiety scores decreased in both participants after the intervention. The first patient's score decreased from 45 to 36, while the second patient's score decreased from 36 to 32. Both children appeared calmer and more cooperative during nursing care

Conclusions: Art drawing play therapy effectively reduced anxiety in hospitalized children with thalassemia and can be used as a non-pharmacological nursing intervention.

Keyword: Thalassemia; Anxiety; Hospitalization; Play Therapy; Art Drawin