Evaluating The Effect of the Use of Virtual Reality Headset in School Vaccinations on Children’s Fear and Anxiety Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the use of virtual reality during school vaccination and its impact on children’s fears and anxiety. Methods: The study was carried out as a randomized controlled study in primary schools located in a city centre. The study was completed with 169 (experimental group=84, control group=85) students. Child and Parent Information Form, Children’s Fear Scale and Children’s Anxiety Scale-State Scale were used to collect the data. Data were analysed using SPSS version (SPSS 25.0 SPSS, Chicago, IL). Independent samples t-test was used to compare independent data with normal distribution, and dependent samples t-test was used to compare dependent data. Data with normal distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Chi-square test was used to compare categorical data, which were presented as frequency (percentage). Results: While the mean score of Children’s Fear Scale post-vaccination was 0.64 in the experimental group, it was 2.16 in the control group. Post-vaccination mean score of Children’s Anxiety Scale-State was 2.14 in the experimental group; however, it was 6.06 in the control group. The Children’s Fear Scale and Children’s Anxiety Scale-State scores were higher in the control group compared to the experimental group. Conclusion: This study is the first study of virtual reality to reduce fear and anxiety during vaccine administration. Study results have demonstrated its effectiveness and will fill a knowledge gap in the literature.