Can Virtual Reality Technology Reduce Anxiety Before a Cesarean Section in Primigravida Women?

IF 2.1 Q2 MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL

Health Science Reports Pub Date : 2025-03-10 DOI:10.1002/hsr2.70523

Parto Mohammadi, Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy, Roghayeh Ershad Sarabi, Khadijeh Moulaei, Moghadameh Mirzai, Sakineh Mirzaei Khalilabadi, Mohsen Zarei Hajiabadi

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Abstract

Background

The emotional strains associated with impending cesarean sections pose significant challenges for primigravida women, potentially exacerbating anxiety levels and impacting overall well-being. Virtual reality (VR) technology has emerged as a nonpharmacological method for reducing preoperative anxiety.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of VR in reducing preoperative anxiety in primigravida women undergoing cesarean sections.

Design

This is a quasi-experimental study involving 38 first-time pregnant participants undergoing cesarean surgery.

Method

In this study, 38 first-time pregnant women undergoing cesarean surgery were divided into two groups: an intervention group (n = 19) and a control group (n = 19). The intervention group watched a VR video depicting various aspects of cesarean delivery, while the control group received no intervention and was instructed to consult their doctors or medical centers for information. Anxiety levels were assessed using the APAIS questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25, including statistical tests like chi-square, Mann–Whitney, Wilcoxon, and logistic regression.

Results

The intervention group experienced a significant reduction on average anxiety scores (11.63 ± 4.16) compared to the control group (14.78 ± 3.18) following the intervention. Within the intervention group, there was a statistically significant decrease in anxiety levels before and after the intervention (p < 0.05), indicating that the VR video intervention effectively reduced preoperative anxiety in pregnant women. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in anxiety levels between the control and intervention groups after the intervention (p = 0.02), whereas such a difference was not observed before the intervention (p = 0.21).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that VR technology is an effective and nonpharmacological method for reducing preoperative anxiety in primigravida women undergoing cesarean sections. The findings highlight the potential of VR interventions to improve patient well-being, offering an accessible, cost-effective solution for anxiety management in healthcare settings. These results underscore the transformative role of VR in enhancing the preoperative experience and supporting positive surgical outcomes.

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