The effect of virtual reality and music on anxiety, non-stress test parameters, and satisfaction of high-risk pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Prenatal tests cause high-risk pregnant women to experience high anxiety levels.

Aim: This paper investigated the effect of Virtual Reality (VR) and music on anxiety, non-stress test parameters, and satisfaction of high-risk pregnant women undergoing non-stress tests (NSTs).

Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 102 participants randomized into three groups (VR = 34, music = 34, and control = 34). Maternal anxiety was assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-S (STAI-S) before and after NSTs. Satisfaction was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after NSTs. NST parameters were evaluated after NSTs. The findings were reported based on the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT).

Results: The VR and music groups had significantly lower mean posttest STAI-S scores than the control group (p <.05). There was no significant difference in NST findings (reactive/nonreactive) between the groups (p >.05). The VR group had a significantly shorter reactive NST duration than the control group (p <.05). The VR and music groups had significantly higher mean VAS-satisfaction scores than the control group (p <.05) CONCLUSION: Virtual reality and music during NSTs help high-risk pregnant women experience less anxiety and satisfy them more with the procedure. We recommend that obstetric midwives and nurses use these low-cost, simple, and noninvasive methods to reduce anxiety in high-risk pregnant women during prenatal testing.

Keywords: Anxiety; High-risk pregnancy; Nonstress test; Satisfaction.