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

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.