Effect of Immersive Virtual Reality on Labor Pain, Anxiety and Satisfaction among Primigravidae

Abstract

Introduction:Virtual reality gives its users the feeling that they are living there since it combines fiction, technology, reality, and imagination.. It is also called virtual simulation technology as the current and future trends for pain management. Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate effect of immersive virtual reality on labor pain, anxiety and satisfaction among primigravida. Design of the study: Quiz experimental design control& intervention was utilized. Study Setting: This study was applied at Sherbin Cental Hospital at labor and deliver unit at, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, from February 2022 to July 2022. Subjects: 56 women per each group were selected according to inclusion criteria by random assignment to compare between the intervention (VR) and the control group (a routine hospital care).Tools: Data was collected through one tool included four parts, A Structured Interview Questionnaire Schedule, the Numerical Rating Scale; State-Anxiety scale &Virtual Reality Satisfaction. Results: This study found that there was no statistically significant difference regarding pain & anxiety score before intervention (1-3cm) among both groups. While there was a highly statistically significant difference regarding pain & anxiety score after the first intervention (4-6cm), after the second intervention (7-8cm), and after the third intervention (9-10cm) among the intervention & control groups p=0.000 . Also, there was a statistically significant difference regarding the duration of first stage among control & intervention groups p=0.002. In addition parturient women in the intervention group (VR) were more satisfied by using it. Conclusion: this study concluded that using VR during first stage of labor had a significantly improvement in reducing pain level & anxiety. Also, intervention group was more satisfied with using virtual reality. Recommendations: Trials for applying Virtual Reality as a one of routine hospital care during childbirth to improve childbirth experience.