The Effect of Virtual Reality on Women’s Perceived Pain, Fear, Anxiety, and Views About the Procedure During Hysterosalpingography: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of virtual reality used during hysterosalpingography on perceived pain, anxiety, fear, physiological parameters, and satisfaction in women. Design: A randomized controlled trial design was used in the study. The CONSORT statement was used to report the findings. Setting: Ankara University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Methods: The study was conducted between April 26 and June 30, 2022. Patients were randomized into two groups (the virtual reality=31, the control group=31). Main outcome measures: Anxiety was evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory; pain, fear, satisfaction were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale; the temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were followed up. Results: The difference between the virtual reality group and the control group in terms of their mean pain and fear scores during hysterosalpingography and 15 minutes after hysterosalpingography was statistically significant. The difference between the mean anxiety scores of the groups was statistically insignificant. The difference between the groups in terms of satisfaction with the hysterosalpingography procedure was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of their physiological parameters just before, immediately after, and 15 minutes after the hysterosalpingography procedure. Conclusions: In this study, it was determined that the use of virtual reality during the hysterosalpingography procedure reduced pain and fear, increased satisfaction, but did not affect anxiety and vital signs. In addition, women’s satisfaction with the use of virtual reality was high.