Effect of Virtual Reality Goggles and Stress Ball Use on Pain and Fear During IV Catheterization in Children

The Effect of Virtual Reality Goggles and Stress Ball Used During Intravenous Catheterization on Pain and Fear in Children: A Randomized Experimental Study

Although distraction methods such as virtual reality glasses, watching videos, watching cartoons, etc. have been reported to reduce pain in the literature, studies on which method is more effective in reducing pain are limited. Considering the developmental period characteristics, virtual reality glasses and stress ball squeezing may be effective in the 6-12 age group during painful intervention. However, no study has been found in the literature on which technique is more effective (9-23). Therefore, investigating the effects of virtual reality goggles and stress ball squeezing on pain and fear in children aged 6-12 years as a distraction method during intravenous catheterization may enable nurses to determine the technique with high clinical usefulness in pain management.

Provide a brief summary of the study, including the purpose, objectives, and brief methodology.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 6-12 years
• Admitted to the pediatric unit of the hospital between June 20, 2024, and April 20, 2025
• Scheduled to undergo intravenous catheterization
• Having parental consent through a signed informed consent form
• Absence of mental or developmental retardation

Exclusion Criteria:

- Children for whom the first attempt at intravenous catheterization was unsuccessful