Using virtual reality to reduce fear, pain, and anxiety in children during circumcision

The Effect of Virtual Reality on Fear, Pain and Anxiety in Children Undergoing Circumcision: A Randomized Controlled Study

NA · Izmir Katip Celebi University · NCT06622369

This study tests if using virtual reality games or cartoons can help reduce fear, pain, and anxiety in children aged 7-12 during circumcision.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment105 (estimated)
Ages7 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorIzmir Katip Celebi University (other)
Locations1 site (Izmir)
Trial IDNCT06622369 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of virtual reality (VR) on reducing anxiety, fear, and post-procedural pain in children aged 7-12 undergoing circumcision. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR game group, where they can play games before the procedure, or a VR cartoon-video group, where they can watch cartoons. A control group will receive standard care without any distraction methods. Data will be collected using various scales to assess fear and anxiety levels before and after the procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 7-12 who are scheduled for circumcision and whose parents or guardians consent to their participation.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain or those who wear glasses may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and pain in children undergoing circumcision, improving their overall experience.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for pain and anxiety management in pediatric procedures, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Children between the ages of 7 and 12,
* The parent/legal guardian or the child himself/herself agrees to participate in the study
* Has not undergone any surgical operation before
* He was hospitalized for a circumcision
* No communication problems (visual, hearing, mental)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Chronic pain
* Eyeglass wear

Where this trial is running

Izmir

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Virtual Reality, pain, anxiety, fear, virtual reality

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.