Eurasian Journal of Chemical, Medicinal and Petroleum Research 2980-9347 6 1 2027 01 13 The Effect of Virtual Reality-Based Simulation Training on Reducing Performance Anxiety in Anesthesia Nursing Students 118 128 250606 10.5281/zenodo.21924444 EN Sahar Alizadeh Faculty member, Department of Anesthesiology, Nurse and Midwifery school, Shiraz University of medical sciences, Shiraz, Iran 0009-0008-3351-1970 Reza Taghvaei Department of Anesthesiology, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran 0000-0003-4143-7674 Erfan Joudaki Rad Department of Anesthesiology, School of Nursing, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran 0009-0003-1542-8130 Journal Article 2026 04 23 Background: Performance anxiety is a significant challenge for anesthesia nursing students transitioning to clinical practice, potentially compromising patient safety and professional development. Virtual reality (VR)-based simulation offers immersive, repeatable practice opportunities in a safe environment. <br><br>Objective: This randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of VR-based simulation training compared to traditional simulation methods in reducing performance anxiety and enhancing clinical preparedness among anesthesia nursing students. <br><br>Methods: A total of 60 second-year anesthesia nursing students were randomly assigned to either an immersive VR simulation group (n=30) or a traditional task-trainer simulation group (n=30). Outcomes were measured at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at two-week follow-up using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), a clinical performance checklist, and a self-efficacy scale. <br><br>Results: The VR group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in state anxiety (mean difference: -8.4, p<0.001) and higher self-efficacy scores (p<0.001) compared to the control group. Clinical performance scores improved significantly in both groups, with the VR group showing superior non-technical skills including crisis management and communication (p=0.003). <br><br>Conclusion: VR-based simulation training effectively reduces performance anxiety and improves clinical preparedness in anesthesia nursing students, offering a scalable and accessible educational modality for healthcare training programs. https://www.ejcmpr.com/article_250606_f00daaa393386aa1154679b8405a2f02.pdf