Evaluating the effect of the use of virtual reality headset in school vaccinations on children's fear and anxiety levels

This study was conducted with a randomized controlled experimental design to determine the effect of virtual reality headset on children's fear and anxiety levels during school vaccinations. The population of the study consisted of first grade students attending primary schools located in the city center of Ordu. The study was completed with 84 students in the experimental group and 85 students in the control group. With the sample size obtained as a result of the study, the test power was found to be 89.8% when the alpha error was 0.05 and the effect size was kept constant at 0.5. The data were collected using the Child and Parent Introductory Information Form, Children's Fear Scale (CFS), and Children's State Anxiety Scale (CSA). As a result of the statistical evaluation, it was determined that pre-vaccination fear mean scores did not show any difference based on the groups (p=0.348). Post-vaccination fear mean scores differed based on the groups (p<0.001). Post-vaccination CFS mean score was 0.64 in the experimental group and 2.16 in the control group. Pre-vaccination anxiety mean scores did not show any difference based on the groups (p=0.543). Post-vaccination anxiety mean scores differed based on the groups (p<0.001). Post-vaccination CSA mean score was 2.14 in the experimental group and 6.06 in the control group. Consequently, it was determined that the use of virtual reality headset, which is one of distraction methods for pediatric vaccinations, was effective on fear and anxiety management. Keywords: Anxiety, Child, Fear, Nursing, Vaccine, Virtual reality