Effect of Virtual Reality on Anxiety and Pain During Gynecological Examination

This randomized controlled trial aims to examine the effects of using virtual reality (VR) glasses during gynecological examinations on women's pain and anxiety levels. A total of 126 women were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, who used VR glasses during the examination, or a control group, who received standard care. Visual and auditory stimuli from nature-themed videos were shown to the intervention group using VR glasses during the procedure. Participants' pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I). The study was conducted between February and November 2024 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erciyes University Hospital.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) glasses on pain and anxiety levels experienced by women during gynecological examinations. It was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study between February and November 2024 at Erciyes University Gevher Nesibe Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. A total of 126 participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (63 each). Inclusion criteria included women aged between 19 and 49 years, literate, and voluntarily agreeing to participate. Women with gynecological cancer, communication impairments, or visual/auditory disabilities were excluded. The intervention group received standard gynecological examination procedures along with VR glasses showing immersive nature videos during the examination. The control group underwent the examination without VR intervention. Data collection tools included a Personal Information Form, Pain Beliefs Questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I (STAI-I) for anxiety. In addition, a Satisfaction Form was applied to the intervention group after the examination. The aim of the study was to determine whether VR application can reduce perceived pain and anxiety during gynecological procedures. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to non-pharmacological nursing interventions in women's health practices.