Development and Effect of Prenatal Education Programs Using Virtual Reality for Pregnant Women Hospitalized With Preterm Labor: Experimental Study.

Background: Pregnant women hospitalized due to preterm labor often experience anxiety, stress, and physical discomfort, which may influence uterine contractions and cervical changes, underscoring the need for effective prenatal management. Virtual reality (VR)-based prenatal education programs can enhance interaction and engagement for these women. The Cox Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior (IMCHB) provides an appropriate framework for nursing interventions addressing their complex needs. This study developed a VR prenatal education program based on the IMCHB and evaluated its effectiveness.

Objective: This study aims to develop, implement, and evaluate the effects of a prenatal educational program using VR technology for pregnant women hospitalized with preterm labor.

Methods: This program was developed based on the Cox IMCHB. To guide program development, we applied the Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate (ADDIE) model, following its 5 stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The study used a pre- and posttest design with a nonequivalent control group. A total of 15 participants in the experimental group and 16 participants in the control group, all pregnant women hospitalized with preterm labor, were analyzed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics; homogeneity tests; the chi-square test; the Fisher exact test; and independent, unpaired, 2-tailed t tests.

Results: The experimental group that participated in the VR-based prenatal education program showed significantly lower levels of state anxiety (P=.009), stress related to preterm labor (P=.002), frequency of uterine contractions (P=.004), and intensity of uterine contractions (P<.001) compared with the control group. Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in cervical length (P=.009). Practice behavior (P=.047) and self-efficacy in pregnancy health care (P<.001) were also significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group.

Conclusions: Prenatal education using VR was shown to be effective across physical, emotional, and educational domains by delivering a professional, integrated intervention tailored to the complex nursing needs of hospitalized patients with preterm labor.