The Use of Virtual Reality Glasses in Women With Premature Rupture of Membranes

The Effect of Virtual Reality Glass Use on Fetal Health Anxiety, Prenatal Distress, and Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Women With Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effect of Virtual Reality Glass Use on Fetal Health Anxiety, Prenatal Distress, and Maternal-Fetal Attachment in Women with Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is a randomized controlled trial. The study population will consist of nulliparous pregnant women hospitalized with a diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in the Perinatology Clinic of Konya City Hospital between June 2025 and January 2027. A total of 176 pregnant women who will be giving birth for the first time will be included in the study (intervention group: n = 88; control group: n = 88). In the intervention group, pregnant women with PPROM will watch a nature-themed video accompanied by natural sounds selected by the researchers through a virtual reality headset (VRH) twice daily for three consecutive days, with each session lasting at least five minutes. The control group will receive the standard antenatal care provided by the hospital. Data will be collected using a Personal Information Form, the Fetal Health Anxiety Scale, the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire, and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being 18 years of age or older
• Being nulliparous
• Having a diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)
• Being between 24 and 37 weeks of gestation
• Having a singleton pregnancy
• Being hospitalized in the ward for at least 3 days
• Having no visual or hearing impairment
• Being communicative and mentally and psychologically healthy
• Being able to speak and express oneself in Turkish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having an additional diagnosis besides preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) (e.g., preeclampsia, fetal distress, fetal anomalies, gestational diabetes, bleeding, etc.)
• Having a chronic disease (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, etc.)
• Having conceived through assisted reproductive technologies (ART)
• Having any skin infection.