[page 56] [Pediatric Reports 2014; 6:5660] Cross-sectional study on differences in pain perception and behavioral distress during venipuncturebetween Italian and Chinesechildren

Venipuncture is perhaps the scariest aspect of hospitalization for children as it causes pain and high levels of behavioral distress. Pain is a complex experience which is also influenced by social factors such as cultural attitudes, beliefs and traditions. Studies focusing on eth-nic/cultural differences in pain perception and behavioral distress show controversial results, in particular with regards to children. The aim of this paper is to evaluate differences in pain perception and behavioral manifestations between Italian and Chinese children under-going a venipuncture, through a cross-section-al study. Behavioral distress and self-reported pain were measured in Chinese and Italian outpatient children during a standardized blood-drawing procedure, using th