A comparative analysis of the impact of virtual reality and rose aroma on anxiety, sleep quality, and happiness among patients undergoing dialysis: a randomized control trial with a factorial design

Background: Hemodialysis patients frequently experience anxiety and poor sleep quality, adversely affecting overall well-being. Objective: The objective is to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) and aromatherapy (AR), individually and in combination, on anxiety, sleep quality, and happiness among patients undergoing dialysis. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 participants (mean age: 55.19 years) assigned to four groups: control (CL), aromatherapy (AR), virtual reality (VR), and aromatherapy with virtual reality (AR + VR). Assessments included demographic questionnaires, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire. Interventions lasted four weeks, with weekly 15-minute sessions, beginning 20 minutes post-dialysis. The AR group received rose essence via a mask, the VR group viewed calming nature scenes, and the AR+VR group received both interventions. Results: Analysis (SPSS v19) indicated that the AR + VR group showed a significant increase in happiness scores compared with other groups (P < 0.001) and reductions in both state and trait anxiety. The CL group exhibited a decline in sleep quality, whereas no significant sleep-quality improvements were observed in the intervention groups. Conclusion: Integrating VR and AR may reduce anxiety and enhance well-being among dialysis patients. Further research is needed to examine long-term effects and optimize intervention strategies.