Effect of Applying Virtual Reality Glasses on Reducing Pain and Anxiety of Children Undergoing Chemotherapy

Abdel-Salam, Amal A.; Mohammed, Seham; Abu Samra, Omayma Mustafa; Amin, Fatma Mohamed

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2023.306392

Effect of Applying Virtual Reality Glasses on Reducing Pain and Anxiety of Children Undergoing Chemotherapy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Benha University

² Lecturer of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Mansoura University

³ Assistant Professor of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

10.21608/tsnj.2023.306392

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality technology is a remarkably effective method to distract
attention from painful stimuli. It is a promising and attractive intervention to help reduce
anxiety and pain of children undergoing painful procedures. Aim: to evaluate the effect
of applying virtual reality glasses on reducing pain and anxiety of children undergoing
chemotherapy. Method: A quasi-experimental research design was used to conduct the
study at the Oncology Department of the Specialized Children's Hospital in Benha,
affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt. A purposive sample of 50
children undergoing chemotherapy was included. Four tools were used for data
collection: A structured interviewing questionnaire, pain rating scale, Beck anxiety
inventory scale, and Physiological assessment of children. Results: The results of the
study revealed that more than half (52.0%) of the children experienced severe pain before
the intervention, while less than two-thirds (60.0%) of the children reported no pain after
the intervention. Furthermore, less than two-thirds (60.0%) of the studied children had a
high anxiety level before the virtual reality glasses intervention. However, during the
intervention, less than half (46.0%) of the studied children had a low anxiety level
Conclusion: Children who received the virtual reality glasses exhibited less pain and
anxiety score compared to children who did not receive them Recommendations: Virtual
reality should be used as a technology to reduce pain and anxiety during painful
procedures of children admitted in pediatric oncology departments.