The fear of needles: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of needle fear and summarize the characteristics of individuals who exhibit this fear.

Background: Injections are among the most common medical procedures, yet fear of needles can result in avoidance of preventive measures and treatment.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources: MEDLINE (1966-2017), Embase (1947-2017), PsycINFO (1967-2017), and CINAHL (1961-2017) were searched, with no restrictions by age, gender, race, language, or country.

Review methods: The prevalence of needle fear was calculated and restricted maximum likelihood random effects models were used for meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Results: The search yielded 119 original research articles which are included in this review, of which 35 contained sufficient information for meta-analysis. The majority of children exhibited needle fear, while prevalence estimates for needle fear ranged from 20-50% in adolescents and 20-30% in young adults. In general, needle fear decreased with increasing age. Both needle fear and needle phobia were more prevalent in females than males. Avoidance of influenza vaccination because of needle fear occurred in 16% of adult patients, 27% of hospital employees, 18% of workers at long-term care facilities, and 8% of healthcare workers at hospitals. Needle fear was common when undergoing venipuncture, blood donation, and in those with chronic conditions requiring injection.

Conclusions: Fear of needles is common in patients requiring preventive care and in those undergoing treatment. Greater attention should be directed to interventions which alleviate fear in high-risk groups.

Keywords: anxiety; fear; injection; medical nursing; mental health; needle; phobia.