Effect of virtual reality and chewing mint gum on labor pain intensity and anxiety level: A Comparative Study

Kamal Helmy, Hanaa; A. Baraia, Zeinab; Kamal Masoud, Hagar; Soliman Ahmed, Safaa

doi:10.21608/ejhc.2022.273889

Effect of virtual reality and chewing mint gum on labor pain intensity and anxiety level: A Comparative Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Maternal & Newborn Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Beni- Suef University, Egypt

² Lecturer of Maternity, Obstetrics and Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Suez Canal University, Egypt

³ Lecturer of Maternal & Newborn Health Nursing. Beni-sueif University, Egypt

10.21608/ejhc.2022.273889

Abstract

Background: Due to the debilitating effects of severe labor pains, its management
continues to be an essential subject that needs much attention. Application of a non-
pharmacologic solution could have a significant impact on nursing practice to reduce labor
pain and anxiety. Aims: To compare the effect of virtual reality and chewing mint gum on
labor pain intensity and anxiety level. Methods: This is a single-blind, three-group clinical
trial study on 300 mothers affiliated to Beni Suef University Hospitals and Elnada maternity
and Plastic surgery hospital for natural childbirth during the year 2021 -2022. Subjects: were
randomly divided into three groups of chewing gum, virtual reality, and control using six
blocks. Group one (Chewing gum interventions), group two (virtual reality) where dilatation
for 20 min were performed twice in 4–5 cm and 7–8 cm. Group three is the control group,
where nurses performed the routine hospital care only. Tools: included A structured
interviewing Questionnaire, Numerical rating scale, Visual anxiety scale or Observational
scale of behavioral distress and mothers` satisfaction Questionnaire. Results: There was
differences in pain intensity and anxiety level before and after the intervention. There was
significant difference between pre-intervention pain intensity and anxiety level scores among
the three studied groups, but there was a significant difference between pain intensity and
anxiety level scores immediately and after 30 min post the intervention implementation.
Conclusion: The results of this study displayed that virtual reality and chewing mint gum as
an intervention decrease pain intensity and anxiety level during the first stage of labor.
Recommendations: for further research include a larger sample, long-term retention, and
opinions pregnant women.

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