As much as 10 percent of people suffer from a phobia called trypanophobia, which is a fear of needle and injections. Approximately 20 percent of the general population has some degree of fear associated with needles and injections. Traumatic experiences in childhood form the foundation of these fears—like seeing an older sibling cry when getting their shots. The fear of needles is both a learned and an inherited condition. A fairly small number inherit a fear of needles, but most people acquire needle phobia around age four to six. Of those who have a fear of needles, at least 20 percent avoid medical treatment as a result.
It becomes a problem for Nurses and other health professionals when patients refuse treatments involving invasive procedures especially with the use of needles. This phobia does not choose age or gender, hence, nurses can experience this in all types of clients.
Trypanophobia impacts the physical and social well-being of those who suffer from it. Patients with needle phobias tend to avoid health care and the health care system for as long as possible. Fear of blood testing or immunizations can interfere with school, employment, or travel opportunities. Required blood tests for marriage licenses and prenatal care may impact personal decisions in patients with needle phobia as well. There have even been case reports of legal problems arising for patients when blood tests are court ordered and patients have refused to comply. Once a phobia is identified and recognized, a number of techniques can be employed to help mitigate the fear that goes along with injection administration.
Exhibiting compassion, understanding, and respect for the phobia and the patient are important components of any mitigation strategy. Patients should be offered education and reassurance and, depending on the severity of the phobia, counseled regarding the various options to counteract it.
Perhaps, giving the patients a false reassurance like "It won't hurt" would not help since it would only cause them not to trust you or any nurses in the future. Primarily, we need to gain the patient's trust and confidence before we can get them to participate in the treatment prepared for them. Secondly, they have the right to know the treatment plan and the process to pursue it. We always have to be honest with them. They would feel more comfortable if they already know what's gonna happen to them. Lastly, Patience. and a lot more PATIENCE. We know that the existence of phobias and fear among people is real. As nurses, we must do our best to help patients overcome them through systematic desensitization.
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