Clowns ease anxiety in young patients

Italians did a research on children facing minor surgeries and realized that being entertained by a clown just before the procedure eases tension and relieves anxiety.

Researchers report that about 60% of children suffer from anxiety before surgery, including feelings of tension, apprehension, nervousness, and worry that are usually related to the child's fear of separation from home and unfamiliar hospital routines and instruments.

Forty children between 4 months and 3 years of age were included in a study. They were accompanied by at least one parent. Having a clown present in a surgery room until the time surgery starts reduced feelings of anxiety in both child and a parent. However, clowns were distracting and annoying medical stuff because of their interference with the procedures of the operating room.