Comparison of two pain scales in Indian children.

Objective: To compare the faces pain scale and color analogue scale among children aged 6-12 years undergoing selected procedures (venipuncture, intravenous cannulation, intramuscular injection, lumbar puncture, bone marrow aspiration) and to compare the procedural pain in a child as perceived by the child, parents and health care professionals using the above mentioned scales.

Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive correlational study of children aged 6-12 years, who had undergone selected procedures. Children were assessed for their pain severity using Faces Pain Scale and Color Analogue Scale. Parents and health care professionals also independently assessed the child's pain using the same scales.

Results: 181 children who fulfilled the eligibility criteria were enrolled in the study. There was a significant positive correlation (R = >0.8) between both the pain scales. There was fair to moderate positive correlation (R = 0.29 to 0.58) of pain perception of child with parents and health care professionals.

Conclusions: Faces Pain Scale and Color Analogue Scales seem to be appropriate instruments for measuring pain intensity among Indian children aged 6-12 years undergoing selected procedures.