Cartoon-Printed Uniforms: A Strategy to Ease Pediatric Hospital Anxiety

Karnellya R. Ohol, Assistant Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing, D.Y. Patil College of Nursing, D.Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, IndiaFollow
Janaki P. Shinde, Professor & Head of Department, Department of Child Health Nursing, D.Y. Patil College of Nursing, D.Y. Patil Education Society (Deemed to be University), Kolhapur, IndiaFollow

ORCID

Karnellya R. Ohol: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9315-2043

Janaki P. Shinde: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6157-1697

Abstract

This quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of cartoon-printed nurse uniforms in reducing anxiety among hospitalized children aged 3–12 years. Conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Maharashtra, India, the study included 100 participants (50 intervention, 50 control) who received care from nurses wearing either cartoon-printed uniforms or traditional clinical attire. Anxiety was assessed at baseline and on hospital days 2, 3, and 4 using validated age-appropriate scales: the modified Faces Anxiety Scale (ages 3–6) and the STAI-C short form (ages 7–12). Mixed-effects repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated a significant group × time interaction (F(3,294) = 42.67, p < .001, partial η² = .304). Children cared for by nurses in cartoon uniforms showed a 48.8% reduction in anxiety compared to 14.7% in controls. Between-group effect sizes increased progressively across days (d = 0.87 to 2.13), indicating cumulative benefit rather than transient novelty. Clinically meaningful improvement (≥30% reduction) was achieved by 76% of intervention participants versus 24% of controls (NNT = 1.92). Staff acceptability was high (95%). Findings indicate that cartoon-printed uniforms are a simple, low-cost, high-impact environmental intervention that significantly enhances pediatric patient experience. Their strong clinical utility, ease of implementation, and alignment with child-centered care principles support adoption across pediatric healthcare settings.

Recommended Citation

Ohol K, Shinde J. Cartoon-Printed Uniforms: A Strategy to Ease Pediatric Hospital Anxiety. Patient Experience Journal. 2026; 13(1):194-201. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.2080.