1Lecturer of Obstetrics & Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Eygpt
2Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Immersive virtual reality is one of the non-pharmacological approaches used for treating labor pain. Aim: Was to evaluate the effect of immersive virtual reality application on labor pain, anxiety and satisfaction among laboring women. Design: Used in this study was a quasi-experimental design. Methods: 120 laboring women were included in the purposive sample, of these; 60 were assigned to intervention (immersive virtual reality) group and another 60 woman to a control group. Setting: This study conducted at the Maternity and Childhood hospital at Zagazig University Hospitals, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Tools: Five tools were applied in the current study; a structured Interviewing questionnaire, Observational sheet of Labor (Partograph), Visual analogue scale, Anxiety Rating Scale, and Laboring women satisfaction questionnaire. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in pain scores and labor anxiety scores during active phase of labor, second, third and fourth stage of labor between the immersive virtual reality and control groups. The majority of virtual reality group was satisfied with immersive virtual reality application. Conclusion: Virtual reality is a useful and effective non-pharmacological method for reducing labor pain and anxiety without having a major negative impact. Furthermore, its use brought satisfaction to laboring women. Recommendations: Utilizing of virtual reality is a crucial in maternity hospitals as a safe and non-pharmacological diversion method to lessen childbirth discomfort.