Effect Application of Immersive Virtual Reality as a Distraction Method on Anxiety and Satisfaction of Women Undergoing Cesarean Section.

Abd-elsattar Mohamed Ahmed, Alshaimaa; Abdel-Hakem Hassanen Aboud, Samia; Amin Ali Gaafar, Hanan; Abdel-Wahab Afifi Araby, Ola

doi:10.21608/jnsbu.2025.455393

Effect Application of Immersive Virtual Reality as a Distraction Method on Anxiety and Satisfaction of Women Undergoing Cesarean Section.

Authors

¹ Nursing Specialist, Nursing Teacher, School Deputy Principles at Secondary Technical Nursing School in Qalyub

² Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt

³ Assistant Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University, Egypt

10.21608/jnsbu.2025.455393

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality has proven to be effective in lessening anxiety and improving women’s experiences in the medical and surgical field. Aim of the Research was to evaluate the effect application of immersive virtual reality as a distraction method on anxiety and satisfaction of women undergoing cesarean section. Research Design: A quasi-experimental research design (two groups, the study and control groups) was used. Research Setting: The research was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at Benha University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample included 170 women undergoing cesarean sections and divided equally into the study and control groups. Tools of data collection: Three tools were used for data collection; Tool 1) structured interviewing questionnaire, Tool 2) novel visual facial anxiety scale and Tool 3) postoperative cesarean section satisfaction among delivered mothers questionnaire. Results: During application of virtual reality, 54.1% of the study group and 37.6% of the control group had mild visual facial anxiety. Also, after application of virtual reality, 41.2% of the study group and 21.2% of the control group had no visual facial anxiety. In addition, 72.9% of the study groups were satisfied with cesarean section after application of virtual reality and routine hospital care compared to 35.3% of the control group who only received routine hospital care. Besides, there were statistically significant relations between total visual facial anxiety scores with only the age and (gravidity & parity) of the study group before application of virtual reality p ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: Virtual reality application was an effective method in reduction of anxiety of women undergoing cesarean section. Moreover, the study group was satisfied with all provided dimensions of routine hospital care more than the control group at 2 hours postoperative due to the distractive effect of the application of virtual reality during cesarean section. Recommendation: Encouraging hospitals administration for preparing virtual reality as supportive measure for women during cesarean section to lessen anxiety and enhance their satisfaction.

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