Effect of Virtual Reality Application on Pain and Anxiety among Primiparous Women with Episiotomy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer of Obstetric and Gynecological Department, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University

2 Lecturer of Maternity and Neonate Health Care Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Fayoum University

3 Assistant Professor of Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Assuit University

4 Lecturer of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Egypt

5 Lecturer of Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, South Valley University

6 Lecturer of Maternal and Neonatal Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing Beni- Suef University.

Abstract

Background: One of the most popular procedures for facilitating birth and preventing problems is episiotomy. During the postpartum period, episiotomy-related pain and anxiety interfere with women's normal activities. Virtual reality is a novel and cutting-edge technology that is both safe and effective in lowering pain and anxiety after episiotomy. The aim was to evaluate the effect of virtual reality application on pain and anxiety among primiparous women with episiotomy.  Design: A quasi-experimental design was used to achieve the aim of this study. Setting: The study conducted at General Qena Hospital and South-Vally University Hospital's postpartum department. Sample: A purposive sample included 200 primipara women enrolled and was equally divided into two groups (the control group was 100 primipara and the study group was 100 primipara). Tools: There are four main tools; (I) interviewing questionnaire included two parts (1) demographic data and (2) obstetrics history), (II) Numerical Analog Scale (NAS), (III) Anxiety Rating Scale, and (IV) Modified maternal satisfaction questionnaire. Results: According to the current study, the study results revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in maternal characteristics between the two groups. Regarding pain intensity, postpartum mothers in the study group had a lower mean score than those in the control group, with a statistically significant difference between the two groups on the eighth and fourteenth days after the intervention. The majority of primiparous women undergoing episiotomy reported being satisfied with the virtual reality application, and there was a highly statistically significant difference in anxiety levels. Conclusion: Virtual reality had a positive effect on reducing pain and anxiety levels among primiparous women with episiotomy. Recommendations: Virtual reality is recommended and should be included as an alternative non-pharmacological therapy for reducing pain and anxiety among primiparous women with episiotomy during the postnatal period.

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