Efficacy of Virtual Reality Application as a Distraction for Primiparity Women at 1st stage of Labor on Pain and Anxiety Control

Talaat Abd El-Wahed El Sharkawy, Amal; Mohamed Abd-El Hady, Rehab; Abdelhaliem Said, Samah; Abdel-Wahab Afifi Araby, Ola; Taha Ahmed Abou-Elazab, Reda

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2022.226071

Efficacy of Virtual Reality Application as a Distraction for Primiparity Women at 1st stage of Labor on Pain and Anxiety Control

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assist. Professor of Maternity &Neonatal HealthNursing, Faculty of Nursing, Ain Shams University, Egypt.

² Assist Prof. of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt.

³ Lecturer of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt.

⁴ Lecturer of Mental Health & Psychiatric Nursing,Faculty of Nursing, Port Said University, Egypt.

10.21608/ejhc.2022.226071

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality is a new and modern technology; Virtual reality is significantly safe
and beneficial in reducing pain and anxiety during labor. Aim was to explore the efficacy of virtual
reality application as a distraction for primiparity women at 1st stage of labor on pain and anxiety
control. Design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to fulfill the aim of this study. Setting:
the labor unit in (obstetrics & gynecology department) at Benha University. Sample: A purposive
sample that fulfill the inclusion criteria [Total 220 primipara were equally divided into two groups
(control group: 110 primipara and study group: 110 primipara)]. Tools: There are four main tools;
interviewing questionnaire sheet (sociodemographic data and obstetrics history), labour
observational sheet through partograph, pain and anxiety assessment scales (Visual Analog Scale
and Anxiety Rating Scale) and modified maternal satisfaction questionnaire. Results: There was a
highly statistical significant difference related to labor pain and anxiety during the first stage of
labor. Moreover, there was highly statistical significance difference related duration of the different
stages of labor. The majority of women were satisfied with virtual reality application. Conclusion:
Virtual reality had a positive effect on pain and anxiety levels during the first stage of labor.
Recomendations: Virtual reality is recommended as an alternative non-pharmacological therapy,
which can be applied in maternity hospitals for effective effect in labor pain and anxiety
management.

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