METHODS: In a consecutive group design with 31 children aged 4 to 13 years, hospitalized patients were randomly assigned to be
accompanied by a clown prior to surgery (intervention group, n=17) and the others were not (control group, n=14). Saliva samples
for oxytocin measurement were taken from all patients before hospitalization and immediately prior to surgery. Self-reports were
obtained regarding children's anxiety prior to surgery.
RESULTS: Children in the intervention group had lower self-reported anxiety ratings (risk ratio 1.4 (1.3, 1.9) and higher oxytocin
concentrations indicative of less stress prior to surgery (risk ratio: 1.7 (1.2, 2.3)) than those in the control group.
DISCUSSION: Consistent psychological and physiological results suggest the positive impact of a clown's intervention in
hospitalized children.
Is this a prospective or retrospective study?
A) Prospective
B) Retrospective
C) Both