Behavioral Changes In Children Research Articles

Sex-dependent effects of early life sensory overstimulation on later life behavioral function in rats.

Children today are immersed in electronic technology shortly after birth as they now begin regularly watching television earlier than they did in the past. Many new programs geared towards infants contain lots of lights, color, and sounds, which may constitute a form of sensory overstimulation (SOS) that leads to cognitive and behavioral changes in children and adolescents. Here, we examined the impact of early life SOS exposure on later life behavioral and cognitive function in rodents by exposing developing male and female rats to excessive audiovisual stimulation from postnatal days (PND) 10-40 and assessing anxiety-like behavior, social motivation, compulsive behavior, and spatial learning/cognition from PND 50-60. To evaluate potential SOS effects on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis function, levels of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) were measured at 3 timepoints (e.g., PND 23, 41, 61) post-SOS exposure. Sensory overstimulated males exhibited reduced anxiety-like and compulsive behavior compared to controls, whereas females exhibited reduced social motivation but enhanced spatial learning/cognition compared to controls. No differences in baseline CORT levels were found at any age tested, suggesting no impact of early life SOS on later life basal HPA-axis function. Our results demonstrate sex-specific effects of early life SOS on distinct behavioral domains in early adult rats.

PARENTS’ COMMUNICATION PATTERNS TOWARDS CHILDREN WITH MENTAL DISORDERS

Communication is a necessity or means of social interaction for human life. However, some individuals, such as mentally retarded children, experience difficulties in communicating due to various factors and environments. This study aims to understand the communication patterns used by parents in interacting with children who suffer from mental retardation. The method used is Systematic Literature Review to explore insights into parents' communication patterns towards mentally retarded children. The researcher collected, summarized, evaluated, interpreted and synthesized information from journals published between 2019-2024. The results showed that communication patterns used by parents can affect learning outcomes and behavioral changes in children with mental retardation. The ideal communication pattern is interpersonal communication that involves direct interaction and feedback between parents and children. Parents need to have extra patience in communicating with mentally retarded children, and communication must be done regularly so that communication development for children can run well. Based on the author's understanding, interpretation and evaluation of various existing journals, it turns out that the communication pattern most favored by mentally retarded children is through audio and video-based multimedia interactive media and gross and fine motor skills through the puzzle game method.

Assessment tools used to measure postoperative behavioral changes in children, a narrative review

Context: Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of postoperative behavior changes in children. To assess postoperative behavior changes, various tools have been used and the understanding of their psychometric characteristics namely validity, reliability and norming is essential. Objective: To provide an overview of the different assessment tools used to measure postoperative behavior changes in children and their psychometrics. Methods: Data sources: MEDLINE, EMbase, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Study selection: inclusion of studies published between January 1995- June 2023 and searched with the following key terms: ‘anesthesia’, ‘postoperative behavior’ and ‘child’ and MESH terms ‘postoperative period’, ‘behavior’ and ‘child’. Data extraction and data synthesis: a data extraction form was used and due to heterogeneity, the findings are presented as a narrative review. Results: In the final analysis, 57 articles were withheld and 11 assessment tools identified which were used to measure postoperative behavior changes. In the majority of these studies, the Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ) and its adaptation namely the Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire for ambulatory surgery (PHBQ-AS) were used. Although frequently applied, the validity, reliability and norming of both questionnaires have not been well established. Other tools like the Child Behavior Checklist, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile have been well validated and are reliable. However, these tools were not specifically designed for assessment of postoperative behavior changes in children after surgery. Conclusions: There is a lack of well validated and reliable tools to assess postoperative behavior in children both for clinical and research purposes.

Turkish Cross-cultural Adaptation of the Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire for Ambulatory Surgery (PHBQ-AS)

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to cross-culturally adapt the Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire for Ambulatory Surgery (PHBQ-AS) to Turkish and test its validity and reliability. DesignThis is a methodological study. MethodsThis study was conducted with 121 children aged 1 to 12 years who underwent ambulatory surgery. The data of the study were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, PHBQ-AS, and the Parents’ Postoperative Pain Measure. Data analysis and evaluation were performed using factor analysis, Cronbach's α analysis, item-total score correlation analysis, content validity, construct validity, and concurrent validity. FindingsPHBQ-AS showed a high level of internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.801). The item-total correlation values of PHBQ-AS were found to be 0.458 to 0.753. PHBQ-AS was determined to be a single-factor scale explaining 66% of the variance in the examined variable. PHBQ-AS and Parents’ Postoperative Pain Measure scores were moderately correlated. ConclusionsThe Turkish version of PHBQ-AS was highly valid and reliable for the Turkish population. A recommendation for health care professionals in Turkey is to use the PHBQ-AS scale to evaluate posthospitalization behavioral changes in children who are admitted for ambulatory surgery.

Synthetic Colors in Food: A Warning for Children's Health.

This study addressed the harmful effects of artificial colors in pediatric populations, including children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), as well as those without behavioral disorders. There is a consensus that synthetic food colorings have several impacts on consumers, especially pediatrics, due to their influence on sensory appeal, which can encourage preference for certain foods. The results revealed that these color additives are directly linked to a series of health problems, with a greater impact on children, including a predisposition to pathological conditions such as carcinogenic, allergenic, mutagenic, cytotoxic, and clastogenic activities, as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory problems, in addition to behavioral changes in children with and without diagnosed disorders. The harms of synthetic dyes in children with or without comorbidities are worrying and require a careful and proactive approach from parents, caregivers and public authorities.

Child Sexual Abuse in Boys: A Retrospective Investigation

Background: Although recent studies have increased public awareness of child sexual abuse, certain aspects of the issue remain unclear. While research on sexual abuse in girls is abundant, there is limited focus on boys in our country. This study aims to explore the characteristics of cases involving sexual abuse of boys in the province of Türkiye. Methods: The study is descriptive and retrospective in nature. A total of 245 boys who underwent forensic interviews for alleged sexual abuse between September 2017 and March 2023 at the Child Advocacy Center in the province of Türkiye were retrospectively examined. Results: The study included 245 boys aged 3-18 with a mean age of 11.04±3.39. The most common type of sexual abuse was non-penetrative contact (57.6%). Delayed disclosure was primarily attributed to factors such as threat, fear, and shame. Sexual abuse predominantly occurred in public places (56.5%). There were significant among age groups concerning the identity of the reporters, initial disclosure persons, the existence of abuse, and reporting time. However, no significant differences were found in the presence of multiple suspects, recurrent abuse, and the incident location. Post-abuse behavioral changes in children included fear of the perpetrator (15.5%), emotional changes (15.5%), physiological changes (9.4%), and the displaying of risky behaviors (4.1%). Conclusion: The study emphasized the importance of not overlooking sexual abuse among male children. The findings underscore the need for enhanced awareness and intervention strategies to address sexual abuse in boys within the country.

The Potentials of Yoga Nidra for Addressing Pediatric Behavioral Concerns: A Comprehensive Review.

Pediatric behavioral concerns, encompassing anxiety, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation, pose significant challenges for children, families, and health-care professionals. Traditional interventions often rely on behavioral modification or medication, with varying degrees of success and potential side effects. In recent years, nonpharmacological approaches, particularly those grounded in mind-body practices, have gained traction. Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation technique rooted in yoga philosophy, offers a promising approach for promoting emotional well-being and positive behavioral change in children. This comprehensive review explores the potential of Yoga Nidra in addressing pediatric behavioral concerns. This review examined the potential mechanisms underlying Yoga Nidra's effects and existing research on its psychological impact, including stress reduction, emotional regulation, self-awareness, and sleep quality. Parallels were also drawn with hypnosis, another established mind-body technique. Finally, the research on Yoga Nidra's effectiveness in specific behavioral issues was reviewed and advocated for further investigation as a noninvasive intervention for promoting positive child development.

Психологические реакции детей на ситуацию хирургического лечения: обзор исследований

<p>The article presents a review of studies on the psychological reactions of children to a situation of surgical treatment. Surgical treatment is considered as a situation with a high potential for stress, which is due to the variety and high intensity of stress effects which are experienced by the child as new and uncontrolled. Negative psychological responses are observed in children both at the preoperative and postoperative stages. At the preoperative stage, preoperative anxiety is highly prevalent. The risk of its development depends on a complex of factors related to the child themself, his/her environment, as well as the disease, hospital environment, the treatment and the circumstances of hospitalization. Preoperative anxiety is a risk factor for more severe pain symptoms, emotional and behavioral changes in the postoperative period. The article discusses the modern methods for the prevention and correction of preoperative anxiety and postoperative emotional and behavioral changes in children: the presence of parents during the induction of anesthesia, providing information using modern technologies and principles of social learning, distraction and other cognitive and behavioral methods for the correction of the mental state, multimodal methods for harmonizing the emotional state and behavior of children (art therapy, play therapy, clown therapy). The authors come to the conclusion that further research is needed in order to develop algorithms for the psychological support of children in a situation of surgical treatment, taking into account their age, clinical characteristics, the psychological features of the child and his/her parents.</p>

Myanmar migrants living along the Thailand-Myanmar border: Experiences related to pandemic and migration decisions

ImportanceIn Myanmar, amid political and civil unrest, droves of Burmese are displaced to neighboring countries including Thailand. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about the available healthcare services and health and well-being among refugees and migrant workers within resettlement areas along the Myanmar-Thailand border. ObjectiveTo explore the unmet needs of migrants along the Thailand-Myanmar border during the COVID-19 pandemic and their reasons for leaving Myanmar. DesignA qualitative study that used focus groups with migrant schoolteachers and school masters was undertaken. An interpretative analysis approach was used to analyze the data from the focus group sessions. The study followed the COREQ (COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative) checklist. SettingIn July 2022, community stakeholders from migrant schools located in the vicinity of Mae Sot, Thailand were referred to the study team. ParticipantsA purposive sample of 17 adult participants was recruited from 4 migrant schools. The participants were schoolteachers and schoolmasters who had traveled from Myanmar to Thailand 1 to 20 years ago. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s)Thematic analysis was used to scrutinize qualitative data for the outcomes of health and well-being, barriers, and reasons for migration. ResultsThree main themes were identified: “issues related to the pandemic”, “teenage marriage and pregnancies” and "migration decisions". The issues related to the pandemic included behavior changes in children, a diminished quality of education, and barriers to receiving COVID-19 vaccines and accessing other health care. There were more dropouts due to teenage pregnancy/marriage during the shelter in place mandate. Migration decisions were affected by concerns over health, civil unrest, and military harassment. Conclusions and RelevanceThis study presented the difficulties experienced by Myanmar migrants currently living along the Thailand-Myanmar border. The reasons for leaving Myanmar included health and safety. Suspending education during the pandemic caused more school dropouts due to teenage pregnancy/marriage. Additionally, behavioral changes in children, a diminished quality of education, barriers to receiving COVID-19 vaccines and access to other health care services were reported. Future studies should focus on how migration stress and access to mental health care impact the migrant population.

Association between rectal diameter and response to treatment with parasacral transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and behavioral changes in children and adolescents with bladder and bowel dysfunction.

Parasacral Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation (TENS) is one of the treatments for children with Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction (BBD). Some studies showed that children with increased Rectal Diameter (RD) have more Functional Constipation (FC). However, RD prediction in maintenance of BBD after treatment was never evaluated. Our aim is to evaluate the association between RD and response to treatment in children and adolescents with BBD. This study evaluated patients from 5-17 years old with BBD. Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System (DVSS), Rome IV criteria, and the Constipation Score were used. RD was measured using abdominal ultrasound before treatment according to the technique established by Klijn et al. and was considered enlarged when >3cm. No laxatives were used during treatment. Descriptive analysis and binary regression were performed and the area under the ROC curve was calculated. Forty children were included (mean age 8.4±2.8 years, 52.5% male). Before treatment, RD was enlarged in 15 children (37.5%) (mean diameter 3.84±0.6cm), with FC persisting post-treatment in 11/15(73.3%). Those patients also required more laxatives following treatment and had more severe FC. Binary regression showed pretreatment RD to be an independent predictor of the persistence of FC post-treatment (OR=9.56; 95%CI:2.05-44.60). In ROC curve analysis, the sensitivity was 100% (95%CI: 0.49-1.0) and specificity 77.14% (95%CI:0.60-0.90) for rectal diameter >3 cm. The likelihood ratio was 4.38 (95%CI:2.40-8.0) for the persistence of BBD following treatment. RD appears to be relevant in the evaluation of children with BBD, not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a predictor of treatment outcome.

Clinical case analysis of 32 children aged 0-6 years with lead poisoning in Nanning, China.

Lead is one of the heavy metals that is toxic and widely distributed in the environment, and children are more sensitive to the toxic effects of lead because the blood-brain barrier and immune system are not yet well developed. The objective of the study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of lead poisoning in children aged 0∼6 years in a hospital in Guangxi, and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of lead poisoning. We collected and analyzed the clinical data of 32 children with lead poisoning admitted to a hospital in Guangxi from 2010 to 2018. The results showed that most of the 32 cases presented with hyperactivity, irritability, poor appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. The hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpusular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and hematocrit (HCT) of the lead-poisoned children were all decreased to different degrees and were below normal acceptable levels. Urinary β2-microglobulin was increased. Blood lead levels (BLL) decreased significantly after intravenous injection of the lead chelator, calcium disodium edetate (CaNa2-EDTA). In addition, HGB returned to normal levels, while MCV, MCH, and HCT increased but remained below normal levels. Urinary β2-microglobulin was reduced to normal levels. Therefore, in this cohort of children, the high-risk factors for lead poisoning are mainly Chinese medicines, such as baby powder. In conclusion, lead poisoning caused neurological damage and behavioral changes in children and decreased erythrocyte parameters, leading to digestive symptoms and renal impairment, which can be attenuated by CaNa2-EDTA treatment.

Parental Presence during Induction of Anesthesia and Emergence Delirium Influence the Incidence of Postoperative Maladaptive Behavioral Changes.

Surgical intervention in pediatric patients can cause variable degrees of psychological stress with potential consequences in the perioperative period and even in the long term, after hospital discharge in the form of behavioral changes days and months later. The aim of our study was to determine which preoperative preparation strategy reduces postoperative maladaptive behavioral changes in children undergoing ambulatory pediatric surgery. This prospective observational study included 638 pediatric American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II patients who underwent ambulatory pediatric surgery. They were grouped into four preoperative preparation groups: not premedicated (NADA), premedicated with midazolam (MDZ), parental presence during induction of anesthesia (PPIA), and parental presence during induction of anesthesia and premedicated with midazolam (PPIA + MDZ). All patients included in the study were contacted by telephone during 1 year posthospital discharge to assess the postoperative maladaptive behavioral changes using the Posthospitalization Behavior Questionnaire (PHBQ). We performed a multivariate analysis to evaluate the influence of type of preparation and behavioral changes. Patients in the PPIA and PPIA + MDZ preparation groups presented less postoperative maladaptive behavioral changes compared to patients in the NADA and MDZ groups (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8 [1.1-2.8] and OR 2.2 [1.03-4.49]) during the first week and first month. The intensity of emergence delirium measured by the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale increases the probability of postoperative maladaptive behavioral changes (OR: 1.05 [1.006-1.103]). The presence of parents during induction of anesthesia (PPIA and PPIA + MDZ) is a very effective strategy in reducing postoperative behavioral changes. These benefits are more significant in children under 5 years of age.

Household’s Stressors and Well-Being During the Global COVID-19 Pandemic

Home environments suffered a range of stressors during COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines the impact of these stressors on children’s well-being by households’ conditions. Participants included main caregivers ( N = 615) with a child under the age of 3 in a developing Latin-American country. We use multivariate analysis to explore associations between these shocks, the childrearing environment, and children’s well-being. We find that households with lower education and recipients of government assistance were more exposed to negative shocks linked to COVID-19. However, the most educated households were more likely to face an increased burden of childcare. Exposure to negative shocks was associated with a deterioration in the emotional well-being of adults, a higher prevalence of intra-family violence, and behavioral changes in children. Households that reported more time spent caring for children, as well as difficulties in combining care and work, showed higher levels of parental depression and worse indicators of parenting quality. We observe a drop in the frequency of parental involvement in didactic and socializing activities with their children, and a poorer mental health status for the main caregiver (mostly mothers).

Incidence and risk factors associated with negative postoperative behavioral changes in children undergoing painless gastroscopy

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of and risk factors associated with negative postoperative behavioral changes (NPOBCs) in children undergoing painless gastroscopy.MethodsInclusion criteria: ASA I–II and outpatients aged 6–12 years undergoing painless gastroscopy. Exclusion criteria: history of surgery or anesthesia, children with developmental or intellectual abnormalities, refusal to participate, preoperative abdominal pain score > 3 points, history of chronic abdominal pain of > 3 months duration, and serious intraoperative complications. On the 1st, 14th, and 30th day after the gastroscopy, the Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire for Ambulatory Surgery (PHBQ-AS) was used to assess NPOBCs in children.ResultsA total of 1,670 children were included in this prospective observational cohort study. The incidence rates of NPOBCs were 14.13%, 4.55%, and 2.14% on the 1st, 14th, and 30th day after gastroscopy, respectively. The risk factors for the first day were female sex (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.00–1.79), parental anxiety (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.75–3.12), and severe anxiety in children (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.96–4.07). The risk factors on the 14th day were parental anxiety (OR 3.71, 95% CI 2.19–6.29), a parental educational level above high school (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.00–2.70), and severe anxiety in children (OR 11.87, 95% CI 5.85–24.07). The risk factors on the 30th day were female sex (OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.41–6.34), being an only child (OR 4.42, 95% CI 2.18–8.95), a parental educational level above high school (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.27 NPOBCs 5.56), and severe anxiety in children (OR 6.84, 95% CI 2.84–16.49).ConclusionIn children undergoing painless gastroscopy, the incidence rates of NPOBCs on the 1st, 14th, and 30th day were 14.13%, 4.55%, and 2.14%, respectively. The risk factors for NPOBCs were severe anxiety in children, female sex, parental anxiety, and a parental educational level above high school. In particular, severe preoperative anxiety in children was a persistent risk factor for NPOBCs within 30 days.

Effectiveness of an oral health curriculum in reducing dental caries increment and improving oral hygiene behaviour among schoolchildren of Ernakulam district in Kerala, India: study protocol for a cluster randomised trial

IntroductionChildren’s learning abilities suffer when their oral health is compromised. Inadequate oral health can harm children’s quality of life, academic performance, and future success and achievements. Oral health problems may...

Effectiveness of Video Tutorial Coaching in Improving the Knowledge of School Teachers on Child Abuse and Neglect in Puducherry.

Child abuse and neglect (CAN) is a major threat to the health and well-being of children throughout the world. Apart from healthcare professionals, teachers also play an important role in recognizing and reporting child abuse as they are in a better position to observe the behavioral changes in children as they spend substantially more time at school. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a video tutorial program in improving the knowledge of school teachers on CAN. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among the 79 school teachers of Puducherry. At baseline, a prevalidated questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge of the school teachers on CAN. After the intervention, the same prevalidated questionnaire was repeated. The mean knowledge score of teachers before intervention was 9.13. After video intervention knowledge score was improved to 14.46 (p < 0.05). The study showed that a knowledge deficit exists among teachers regarding CAN, and the video tutorial program was found to be effective in improving the knowledge of school teachers. The government, as well as the schools should take the initiative to create awareness among teachers. Shivashankarappa PG, Pitchiah PA, Adimoulame S. Effectiveness of Video Tutorial Coaching in Improving the Knowledge of School Teachers on Child Abuse and Neglect in Puducherry. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(5):575-578.

Perspectives and attitudes towards sustainability among science, preschool, and primary school teachers

The concept of sustainability has been gaining momentum in recent years as people are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental, social, and economic challenges facing the world. Sustainability is a complex issue that requires a multidisciplinary approach and long-term perspective. This study aimed to examine the perceptions and attitudes of science, primary school, and preschool teachers toward sustainability. The study involved 299 public school teachers, who were asked to complete a series of scales and questions to gauge their views on sustainability and sustainable development. The findings of this study indicate that preschool teachers take a more holistic approach to sustainability education, emphasizing the need to teach sustainability as a lifestyle and calling for improved teacher training in this area. On the other hand, primary school teachers placed greater emphasis on raising awareness of sustainability rather than inducing basic behavioral changes in children. Science teachers were more focused on acquiring knowledge and concepts related to sustainability. Overall, the study suggests that the effective implementation of sustainability education requires supporting materials and resources, and the support of school administration and families.

Changes in physical activity behavior in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on a trans-theoretical model.

This article presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies of physical activity (PA) behavioral changes in children and adolescents based on the trans-theoretical model (TTM). The main purpose is to test the rationality of TTM and the secondary purpose is to analyze whether PA can effectively identify the stages of change. The databases CNKI, Wan-Fang, VIP, WOS, PubMed, and EBSCO were searched by computer. Two researchers independently reviewed the literature, extracted data, and evaluated the quality of the literature. Stata 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis. A total of 17 articles of medium and high quality were included in the meta-analysis. First, the behavior changes of PA of children and adolescents are related to the process of change (POC), self-efficacy (SEI), and decisional balance (DBL). The POC, SEI, and DBL have obvious stage characteristics. Second, with increasing intensity of PA, the degree of discrimination of stage of change (SOC) also improved, but PA could not still fully distinguish each stage. It is suggested that follow-up studies should compare the stages of change of different criteria by comprehensive behavioral data, exercise willingness, and exercise habits. Furthermore, it is recommended that more studies use longitudinal surveys or experimental interventions to test the rationality of TTM. It is suggested that the follow-up study design more standardized measurement tools to explore the change in PA behavior of children and adolescents.

Dental Health in Early Childhood: "I Can Do It If You Teach

This study aims to raise awareness of dental health and care activities with pre-school children and cause desired behavioural changes in children, is basic qualitative research. The study group of the research consisted of 13 children studying in a pre-school class according to convenient/easily accessible sampling, which is one of the non-random sampling methods. For the research, data were collected through observations, interviews and research diaries, and the results were obtained by applying descriptive analysis by the researchers. For the research, data were collected through observations, interviews and research diaries, and the results were obtained by analyzing them by the researchers. In this direction, according to the descriptive analysis results obtained from the semi-structured observation form, it was seen that the preschool dental health activities increased the awareness of the children about the tools and equipment used in dental health, and thus gave the children an important tooth brushing routine. According to the descriptive analysis of the structured observation form and research diaries, the tooth brushing routine continued in the follow-up period after the application and became a behavior in children. In line with these results, suggestions were made for future studies.

Virtual Reality Glasses versus Midazolam in Alleviation of Child’s Anxiety during Dental Rehabilitation: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective: To evaluate virtual reality glasses versus premedication with oral midazolam, and their effect on separation anxiety and postoperative behavioural changes in children experiencing dental rehabilitation under general anaesthesia. Introduction: Several children suffer anxiety when experiencing dental rehabilitation under general anaesthesia, which may be caused by separation from parents, and negative anticipation of surgical procedures. Midazolam (MDZ) is a generation of Benzodiazepines that have been widely used as a premedication. Whereas distraction is a common technique used to reduce pain and anxiety during short invasive procedures. Methodology: This was a randomized clinical trial; children aged 4-6 years who were healthy, uncooperative, and planned to be treated using general anaesthesia were randomly distributed between two groups (Group I), using the Virtual glasses and (Group II), given oral midazolam. The baseline heart rate (HR) was recorded twice. Ease of separation was assessed for all the participants using the Parental Separation Anxiety Scale (PSAS). The Postoperative behavioural changes were scored using (PHBQ) Questionnaire after 24 hours and 14 days after the operation. Results: Regression analysis showed that the type of intervention was non-significantly associated with the acceptability of separation. Males showed significantly less acceptable separation than females. There was a statistically significant increase in the heart rate readings in both groups when compared before and after separation. The parent-reported child morbidity following the surgery showed no significant difference except when regarding the children “who were upset at mentioning doctors, dentists or hospitals” where (P=0.000). Conclusion: VR and premedication with oral midazolam were both effective strategies for controlling preoperative anxiety in children during parental separation, with lots of advantages when using the VR distraction approach.