European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
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Eur. J. Obstet. Gynecol. Reprod. Biol. · Jul 2008
Psychological distress associated with colposcopy: patients' perception.
Cervical screening and colposcopy are associated with varying degrees of anxiety in women. Interventions are in place to reduce anxiety but the effectiveness of these needs examination. Our objective was to develop an understanding of factors associated with anxiety in relation to colposcopy and to seek women's opinion on interventions designed to reduce anxiety. ⋯ Our results indicate that the higher the index level of anxiety regarding colposcopy, the less likely women were to find either the leaflet or the video-screen display helpful. Research should focus on the 'very anxious' women, as they are least satisfied with existing measures in place to reduce anxiety. However, evidence is presented to imply this may not be possible.