Effects of virtual reality technology on anxiety and depression in older adults with chronic diseases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Jing Yang, Yue Li, Di Gao, Xuemei Xie, Wenting Ji, Jing Gao · Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing · 2024
BACKGROUND: Previous research has demonstrated the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology in many application areas. However, there is a clear gap in the literature regarding its effects on depression and anxiety in older adults with chronic diseases. AIMS: This review aimed to assess the effectiveness of VR interventions for depression and anxiety in older adults with chronic diseases. METHODS: Seven electronic databases were systematically searched from their inception to April 9, 2024. Two researchers evaluated methodological quality using RoB (version 2.0) and performed meta-analyses using RevMan (version 5.4) and Stata (version 16.0) software. RESULTS: This review included 19 randomized controlled studies. Meta-analysis revealed that VR significantly improved depression (standard mean difference [SMD] = -0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.90, -0.45], p < .00001) and anxiety (SMD = -0.76, 95% CI [-0.95, -0.57], p < .00001) in older adults with chronic diseases, improved their quality of life (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI [0.17, 0.61], p = .0006) and positive emotions (SMD = 5.65, 95% CI [3.61, 7.69], p < .00001), and relieved stress (SMD = -1.08, 95% CI [-1.52, -0.64], p < .00001). However, the difference in self-efficacy was statistically non-significant (SMD = 1.01, 95% CI [-0.48, 2.50], p = .19). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: The results of this systematic review provide important evidence for developing interventions to improve the mental health of older adults with chronic diseases.