PARENTS AND CHILDRENS REACTIONS TO TAKING BLOOD IN A NUTRITION SURVEY

Objective-To assess the reactions of parents and their children to the request for a blood sample and an attempt to take blood. Methods-1859 children aged 1.5-4.5 years took part in a national survey of diet an d nutrition. A retrospective inquiry of the parents' and children's re ported reactions was carried out six to 18 months later by postal ques tionnaire sent only to the 1157 who had given consent for an attempt t o take blood. Results-866 questionnaires were returned; 790 were from parents of children in whom an attempt to take blood had been successf ul. Thirteen per cent said that their child had given blood previously . About 30% discussed the request with the family doctor or nurse. Som e 90% said that they were given enough information and that the phlebo tomist was sympathetic. Attempting to take blood caused upset in over 50%, which, in most, lasted for less than five minutes. A substantial minority were upset for up to 30 minutes and a few for much longer. Br uising or bleeding occurred in 20-27%. Degree and duration of upset we re both adversely associated with a failed attempt to obtain blood. Co nclusion-The majority of preschool children experienced no more than a little upset of short duration after an attempt to take blood, but a substantial minority exhibited a greater degree of upset. These respon ses should be taken into account when assessing the benefits and risks of the procedure. The best equipment and expertise should be employed for taking blood as successful attempts are less upsetting.