School children's perceptions of hospitalisation

Abstract

Children are the future of society and the image of hospital they have, projected by media and the experiences they encounter during childhood, may strongly influence their future adult perceptions of hospitalisation. Preparation helps to reduce fear of hospitals and hospitalisation therefore, this makes the studying of children's perceptions of a hospital experience crucial to tailor preparatory programmes on children's existing views. The purpose of the study was to ascertain the image of a hospital stay among 9-year-old Gozitan children and try to highlight what can influence their views. For the study, a convenience sample of children from a Gozo governmental primary school were interviewed. The sample included 12 children (6 boys and 6 girls) from 2 different classes. Access to the subjects was gained through the School Headmaster and consent was obtained from the parents. A pilot study was conducted on 2 children (a boy and a girl) selected from the children attending another primary school in Gozo to check if questions were being understood by the children. From the study it appears that children have serious misconceptions about what happens in hospitals. It seems that children have exaggerated fears and anxieties related to hospitals and hospitalisation. There is also the suggestion that children generalised from their own personal experiences. It seems that preparation is vital and the author recommends the use of child-friendly media like videos and films, and 'playing hospital' and also educational programmes tailored for school teachers and parents to instil a positive view of hospitals and hospitalisation in children.