Virtual Reality-Enabled Digital Storytelling

Evaluation of the Effects of Digital Storytelling Applied to Primiparous Pregnant Women With Virtual Reality Glasses on Prenatal Attachment, Fear of Childbirth, Perception of Childbirth Self-Efficacy, and Non-Stress Test Results

Current scientific literature on VR details primarily focuses on fear and anxiety during childbirth. Variables such as attachment, fear, and self-efficacy are often considered independently. Therefore, in addition to interventions focused on the prenatal period, a need arose for holistic audiovisual and technologically supported intervention models that simultaneously address multidimensional aspects of life, such as prenatal attachment, fear of childbirth, and perception of childbirth self-efficacy.

This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted to evaluate the effects of digital storytelling applied to primiparous pregnant women via virtual reality glasses on prenatal attachment, fear of childbirth, perception of childbirth self-efficacy, and non-stress test results. The study will consist of two groups: an experimental and a control group. Participants in the experimental group will access a digital storytelling training program via virtual reality glasses and receive information and guidance on topics such as prenatal attachment, fear of childbirth, and perception of childbirth self-efficacy. Participants in the control group will receive standard care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primiparous women in their 28th week of pregnancy
• Between the ages of 18 and 40
• Experiencing a singleton pregnancy
• Applied to the Yozgat City Hospital Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic and agreed to participate in the study
• Have a primary school education and can understand Turkish
• Have no serious vision or balance problems that would prevent the use of VR glasses
• Have not experienced any risky pregnancy problems (premature membrane rupture, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, etc.)
• Have no identified fetal anomalies
• Have no psychiatric diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant women who cannot obtain a work permit and who do not agree to participate in the study will not be included in the study.