JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Dementia training requires innovative strategies to improve nursing students’ attitudes, knowledge, ageism, and behavioral responses regarding ageism. Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive learning, but existing interventions often rely on passive 360-degree viewing, offering limited opportunities for practicing communication.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a scenario-driven, artificial intelligence-based VR Awareness Simulation Adventure (ASA) in improving nursing students’ attitudes toward people living with dementia (PLWD), knowledge of dementia, ageism, and intention to help.

Methods:

This protocol outlines a four-arm quasi-experimental 2×2 factorial design involving ASA VR and conventional lecture-based dementia training. Nursing students will complete pre- and post-intervention assessments measuring attitudes toward PLWD, dementia knowledge, ageism, and intention to help. The sample size justification is based on previous VR-based dementia education studies that reported large effects (d=0.9). Data will be analyzed using independent t-test, paired tests, analysis of covariance, and effect sizes. The intervention will be described following TIDieR guidelines. Data management, harm monitoring, and ethical approval procedures are specified.

Results:

Recruitment and data analysis are expected to conclude by May 2026. Findings will report the effectiveness of ASA VR in enhancing attitudes toward PLWD, dementia knowledge, ageism, and intention to help outcomes.

Conclusions:

This protocol introduces Indonesia’s first scenario-driven VR dementia simulation training. Findings may inform the development of culturally adapted VR-based dementia training. Clinical Trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07238439 https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07238439