THE EFFECT OF VIRTUAL REALITY ON WOMEN’S PERCEIVED PAIN, FEAR, ANXIETY,
AND VIEWS ABOUT THE PROCEDURE DURING HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAPHY: A RANDOMIZED
CONTROLLED TRIAL
Abstract
Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of virtual
reality used during hysterosalpingography on perceived pain, anxiety,
fear, physiological parameters, and satisfaction in women. Design: A
randomized controlled trial design was used in the study. The CONSORT
statement was used to report the findings. Methods: The study was conducted between
April 26 and June 30, 2022. Patients were randomized into two groups
(the virtual reality=31, the control group=31). Main outcome measures:
Anxiety was evaluated using the State Anxiety Inventory; pain, fear,
satisfaction were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale; the
temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were followed
up. Results: The difference between the virtual reality group and the
control group in terms of their mean pain and fear scores during
hysterosalpingography and 15 minutes after hysterosalpingography was
statistically significant. The difference between the mean anxiety
scores of the groups was statistically insignificant. The difference
between the groups in terms of satisfaction with the
hysterosalpingography procedure was statistically significant. There was
no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of
their physiological parameters just before, immediately after, and 15
minutes after the hysterosalpingography procedure. Conclusions: In this
study, it was determined that the use of virtual reality during the
hysterosalpingography procedure reduced pain and fear, increased
satisfaction, but did not affect anxiety and vital signs. In addition,
women’s satisfaction with the use of virtual reality was high.