The effect of a laughter-based intervention on airway patency in children with tracheostomy: a quasi‑experimental study

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Quantitative and Qualitative Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Biostatics, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

3 PhD in Nursing, Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran

10.22038/ebcj.2026.91743.3202

Abstract

Background: Children with tracheostomies rely on airway patency and respiratory function, but obstruction and discomfort can reduce quality of life for both the child and family. Non-pharmacological options, like laughter, may offer benefits.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the impact of laughter on airway patency in hospitalized children with tracheostomies, emphasizing the potential non-invasive therapeutic benefits in enhancing respiratory outcomes.

Method: This quasi-experimental study enrolled eighty children aged 6–12 with tracheostomies in Tehran (March 2021–July 2022). Participants were convenience-sampled and randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. The intervention: two 15-minute laughter sessions over two consecutive days. The laughter-based intervention consisted of watching a comedic animation ("The Adventures of Oscar") and engaging in puppet play. Airway patency was monitored via SpO₂, respiratory rate, and suctioning frequency thrice daily for two days post-intervention. Data were collected with a demographic–clinical questionnaire and validated monitoring devices. Analyses used t-tests, Mann–Whitney, Chi-square, Friedman's test, and GEEs (p

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Evidence Based Care

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 20 April 2026

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