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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 Jul;55(8):1582-1590.
doi: 10.1007/s00247-025-06276-5. Epub 2025 Jun 5.

Using audiovisual intervention to reduce anxiety and improve image quality in pediatric magnetic resonance imaging

Seçil Oktay  1 , Türker Söğütlüler  2 , Sibelnur Avcil  2 , Ceren Akçanal Şeker  2 , Hatice Öner  2 , Hakan Öztürk  2 , Ayşe Tosun  2 , Yelda Özsunar  2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Using audiovisual intervention to reduce anxiety and improve image quality in pediatric magnetic resonance imaging

Seçil Oktay et al. Pediatr Radiol. 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a crucial diagnostic modality for pediatric patients because it avoids ionizing radiation. However, the confined space and loud noises inherent to MRI can trigger anxiety in children, potentially compromising their cooperation and image quality.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of an audiovisual preparatory intervention in reducing anxiety and improving MRI image quality in children.

Materials and methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 48 children aged 7-11 years referred for MRI were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=24) or a control group (n=24). The experimental group viewed a child-friendly preparatory film prior to the MRI. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children before and after MRI. Image quality was evaluated independently by blinded radiologists using standardized scoring criteria.

Results: There were no significant differences in baseline state anxiety (P=0.790) or trait anxiety (P=0.414) between groups. Post-MRI state anxiety scores were significantly lower in the experimental group (31.17±8.78) compared to the control group (37.90±6.51; P=0.004). Post-MRI trait anxiety scores remained statistically similar (P=0.491). Image quality scores were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P=0.005).

Conclusion: Audiovisual preparatory interventions significantly reduce state anxiety and enhance image quality in pediatric MRI without affecting trait anxiety. These findings support the integration of non-pharmacological, child-centered preparatory tools into routine MRI protocols to improve patient cooperation and diagnostic outcomes.

Keywords: Anxiety; Auditory perception; Child; Image enhancement; Magnetic resonance imaging; Persuasive communication; Visual perception.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Axial unenhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance images from control (a, b) and intervention (c, d) patients rated as 2 in an 8-year-old girl (a), 3 in an 8-year-old boy (b), 4 in a 7-year-old girl (c), and 5 in an 8-year-old boy (d) on a 5-point scale, where higher scores reflect better image quality
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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