Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in Self-Care Education for Adolescents: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction: The modern landscape of education is being revolutionized by immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). The primary aim of this study is to thoroughly explore the multifaceted impact of VR and AR in enhancing adolescents' self-care.Methods: To achieve a comprehensive understanding, an extensive literature review was conducted across databases including PubMed, ERIC, and Google Scholar. Keywords such as "virtual reality," "augmented reality," "self-care education," "adolescents," .Results: Studies indicate that interactive simulations in VR enable adolescents to engage with health-related scenarios, fostering experiential learning. The incorporation of ۳D visualizations through AR empowers adolescents to grasp complex health concepts more effectively, enhancing their comprehension and knowledge retention. Immersive technologies provide a unique platform for adolescents to acquire practical self-care skills. VR simulations allow them to practice critical self-care routines, such as administering medications or managing chronic conditions, in a controlled yet lifelike environment. These experiential learning opportunities empower adolescents to build essential life skills while fostering a sense of confidence and competence in self-care practices. The gamification elements often integrated into VR and AR applications further incentivize adolescents to actively participate in their self-care education journey. VR and AR platforms facilitate interactive scenarios that allow adolescents to make decisions in simulated health-related situations. This decision-making process enables them to evaluate the consequences of their choices, fostering critical thinking and informed decision-making. Adolescents are empowered to explore various options and their outcomes, enhancing their ability to navigate real-world self-care challenges. Immersive scenarios can expose adolescents to empathy-building experiences, encouraging them to understand the consequences of certain health behaviors and empathize with others facing health-related challenges. Such interventions promote holistic self-care encompassing physical, emotional, and social well-being. .These technologies contribute to the adoption of healthier lifestyles and sustained self-care practices.Conclusion: By providing immersive and engaging learning experiences, these technologies offer a novel approach to equipping adolescents with essential self-care skills. As VR and AR continue to evolve, their integration into self-care education has the potential to empower the younger generation to make informed health decisions and embrace lifelong self-care practices.