<![CDATA[Background: Hospitalization in children often causes anxiety due to the unfamiliar hospital environment, frightening medical procedures, and separation from a comfortable environment. This anxiety condition can hinder the treatment process and reduce the child's cooperation during medical procedures. One intervention that can be done by nurses to reduce anxiety in children is distraction techniques through puzzle play therapy. Playing puzzles can help children divert attention from fear and provide positive cognitive and emotional stimulation. Objective: To determine the policy of actions that prevent puzzle play distractions in reducing children's anxiety due to hospitalization in the Chandra Room of the Dr. J. A. Latumeten Class II Hospital Ambon. Methods: This study used a case study approach on 2 preschool-aged children who experienced anxiety during hospitalization. The intervention was carried out by providing puzzle play therapy during the treatment period and observations were made on changes in the children's anxiety levels before and after the intervention. Results: The study showed that after being given puzzle play therapy, the children's anxiety levels decreased, which was indicated by reduced crying behavior, tension, and increased cooperation during nursing procedures. Conclusion: This study shows that puzzle play distraction nursing actions are effective in helping reduce anxiety in preschool children who are hospitalized. This intervention can be used as a non-pharmacological approach in pediatric nursing practice in hospitals.]]>
