Effect of Virtual Reality Intervention on Labor Pain and Maternal Childbirth Satisfaction

Abstract

Background: Labor pain is a highly distressing physical sensation that women experience during their lifetime. Maternal childbirth satisfaction is one of the important indicators of the quality of the care provided. The use of non-pharmacological therapies can make the childbirth process a pleasurable event for the mother. Virtual reality (VR) is a non-pharmacological approach utilized to alleviate pain. Aim of the study: to evaluate the effect of virtual reality intervention on labor pain and maternal childbirth satisfaction. Design: A quasi-experimental design was used. Setting: This study was conducted at the labor unit of Sohag University Hospital, Egypt. Sample: A convenient sample of 100 laboring women was equally divided into two groups (control group: 50 laboring women and intervention group: 50 laboring women). Tools: Data was collected through four tools, (I) A structured Interview Schedule, (II) A Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and (III) a Virtual Reality Satisfaction questionnaire. Results: This study found no statistically significant difference regarding labor pain intensity before intervention among the virtual reality (VR) and the control group, while there was a highly statistically significant difference regarding labor pain intensity after the first intervention. Moreover, laboring women in the intervention group (VR) were more satisfied by using virtual reality. Conclusion: This study concluded that virtual reality intervention significantly reduced labor pain and also achieved satisfaction of laboring women with using it. Recommendations: Trials for including virtual reality as a one of routine hospital care during childbirth to reduce labor pain and improve maternal childbirth satisfaction.