Storytelling-Based Nursing Communication During Hospitalization: Its Impact On Anxiety And Influencing Factors In Preschool Children: A Systematic Review

Citra Suraya; Aris Citra Wisuda; Tukimin bin Sansuwito; Regidor III Dioso; Dian Emiliasari

doi:10.33862/citradelima.v9i1.574

Authors

Citra Suraya Lincoln University College, Malaysia & Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bina Husada, Palembang, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4445-6443
Aris Citra Wisuda Nursing Study Program , Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bina Husada Palembang, Indonesia
Tukimin bin Sansuwito School of Nursing and Applied Science, Lincoln University College, Malaysia
Regidor III Dioso School of Nursing and Applied Science, Lincoln University College, Malaysia
Dian Emiliasari Nursing Study Program , Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Bina Husada Palembang, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33862/citradelima.v9i1.574

Keywords:

Preschool Children, Hospitalization, Anxiety, Nursing Communication, Storytelling

Abstract

Hospitalization often triggers anxiety in preschool children due to unfamiliar environments, parental separation, and invasive procedures. Storytelling-based nursing communication has shown promise as an effective intervention to reduce this anxiety. This systematic review explores the effectiveness and influencing factors of hospitalization anxiety in children aged 3–6 years. Literature was searched from PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2020 and 2025. Nine experimental or quasi-experimental studies from Indonesia, Iran, Brazil, Italy, and Turkey met the inclusion criteria, all involving nurse-led storytelling interventions. Most studies reported significant reductions in anxiety. Key influencing factors included age, length of stay, hospitalization history, parental presence, and storytelling methods. The intervention consistently enhanced emotional comfort, reduced fear, and strengthened nurse-child interaction. In conclusion, storytelling is an effective non-pharmacological strategy to reduce hospitalization anxiety in preschool children and supports child-centered nursing care when tailored to the child’s developmental stage, experiences, parental involvement, and cultural context.

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