The effect of virtual reality use on anxiety and pain during endometrial biopsy: A randomized controlled experimental study

Background The effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) glasses in managing acute pain and anxiety is well documented in the literature. This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effect of VR distraction on pain experienced during the procedure and post-procedure state anxiety in women undergoing endometrial biopsy. Objective To compare pain experienced during the procedure and post-procedure state anxiety between women with elevated pre-procedural anxiety who received VR distraction during endometrial biopsy and those who did not. Methods A total of 80 women participated in the study and were allocated to either an experimental group or a control group. The study was conducted in the gynecology clinic of a state hospital. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the State Anxiety Inventory. Women in the experimental group wore VR glasses during endometrial biopsy, whereas women in the control group received no such intervention . Results The VR group reported significantly lower procedural pain scores than the control group (0.99 ± 0.17 vs. 4.97 ± 0.17; p < 0.001) and significantly lower post-procedure STAI-S scores (24.87 ± 3.06 vs. 51.85 ± 9.71; p < 0.001). After adjustment for pre-procedure scores, the VR group had lower procedural pain scores (adjusted mean difference = −3.977; 95% CI: −4.469 to −3.484; p < 0.001 ) and lower post-procedure STAI-S scores (adjusted mean difference = −25.955; 95% CI: −28.563 to −23.346; p < 0.001 ) than the control group. Conclusions VR distraction was associated with lower pain during endometrial biopsy and lower state anxiety after the procedure.