International Journal of Health Science
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): March: International Journal of Health

The Effect of Prophet Storytelling Therapy on Anxiety Levels in Preschool Children Treated at Inche Abdoel Moeis Regional Hospital, Samarinda

Richa Cahya Setyowati (Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur)
Ni Wayan Wiwin Asthiningsih (Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur)
Fatma Zulaikha (Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Feb 2026

Abstract

Hospitalization in preschool children often causes anxiety due to unfamiliar environments, separation from parents, and invasive medical procedures. Unmanaged anxiety may interfere with the healing process and prolong hospitalization. Prophet storytelling therapy is a non-pharmacological intervention that combines distraction and spiritual values ​​to promote comfort and emotional security in children. Methods: This study employed a quantitative pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The sample consisted of 16 hospitalized preschool children aged 4–6 years at RSUD Inche Abdoel Moeis Samarinda, selected using purposive sampling. Anxiety levels were measured using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS) Parent Report before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: The findings revealed a significant reduction in anxiety levels following the implementation of prophet storytelling therapy. Prior to the intervention, most respondents experienced severe anxiety, whereas after the intervention, the majority showed mild anxiety levels. Statistical analysis Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test indicated a p-value of 0.002 (p < 0.05), confirming a significant difference in anxiety levels before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Prophet storytelling therapy is effective in reducing anxiety levels among hospitalized preschool children. This therapy can be applied as a spiritual-based non-pharmacological nursing intervention to support atraumatic care in pediatric nursing practice.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijhs

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Public Health Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Health Science, This journal publishes articles on practice, theory, and research in all areas of health, including: Surgical Medical Practice, Pharmacy, Maternity, Child Health, Mental Health, Public Health, Dental, Medical Education, Midwifery, Medicine and Nursing, Health ...