Effect of virtual reality on women’s labor pain perception at Tanta University Hospital

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Background Normal labor is considered one of the most memorable and painful experiences in a woman’s life. It is ranked high on the pain rating scale when compared to other painful life experiences. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of virtual reality on pain perception during the first stage of labor. Design A quasi-experimental design (pretest–posttest nonequivalent control group design) was adopted in this study to obtain the stated aim. Sample A purposive sample of 300 laboring women was recruited for this study and categorized into two groups: the study group consisted of 150 laboring women who received the virtual reality intervention and routine hospital care, and the control group consisted of 150 laboring women who received routine hospital care only. Setting The current study was conducted at the labor and delivery ward at Tanta University Hospital. Tools: four tools were utilized: (a) Structured Interviewing Questionnaire Schedule, (b) visual analog pain intensity scale, (c) Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale, and (4) laboring women satisfaction tool. Result The study findings showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in labor pain perception in the study group using the visual analog scale after the first application of virtual reality with a mean of 7.23±0.99 and 3.87±1.74 in control group and study group, respectively (P=0.001). Moreover, after the third application of virtual reality with a mean of 8.79±0.88 and 3.47±2.37 in control group and study group, respectively (P=0.001). While using Wong Baker face rating scale the labor pain perception statistically significantly decreased in the study group after using the first application of virtual reality with a mean of 3.35±0.56 and 2.17±0.88 in the control group and study group, respectively (P=0.001). Moreover, 86% of the study group were satisfied regarding virtual reality application. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, virtual reality has a positive effect in decreasing pain perception during the first stage of labor. It also achieved satisfaction of laboring women with using it during labor. Recommendation Apply virtual reality technique as a non-pharmacological therapy in labor pain management.