The effect of virtual reality intervention on pain level, state anxiety, and vi̇tal signs during foot care in individuals with diabetic foot ulcers

This study was conducted to determine the effects of a virtual reality intervention on pain level, state anxiety, and vital signs during foot care in individuals with diabetic foot ulcers. The study was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental design and included 64 individuals with diabetes (intervention=32, control=32). The intervention group received VR during diabetic foot care, while the control group received standard care. Data were collected at pre-test and post-test using the Demographic Information Form, Vital Signs Form, State Anxiety Scale, and VAS Pain Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0. Paired t-tests were used for within-group comparisons, independent samples t-tests for between-group comparisons, and chi-square tests for categorical variables. Effect size was calculated using Cohen's d. The post-test showed a significant decrease in pain levels in the intervention group (p=0.022) and an increase in the control group (p=0.001). The difference in pain scores between groups was found to be significant (p<0.001). The effect size of this difference (Cohen's d=1.01) was found to be large. State anxiety decreased significantly in the intervention group (p<0.001) and increased in the control group (p=0.007). The difference in anxiety between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). The effect size of this difference (Cohen's d=2.77) was found to be very large. No significant differences were found between the groups in body temperature, oxygen saturation, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure (p>0.05). The stable vital signs indicate that VR can be used safely while maintaining physiological stability. Virtual reality is an effective non-pharmacological method for reducing pain and anxiety in diabetic foot care. Future research evaluating VR applications in different patient groups, with varying content types, and in terms of long-term effects will contribute to evidence-based nursing practice. KEYWORDS: Virtual reality, diabetic foot, nursing, pain, anxiety, vital signs.