Authors:
Howells REJ. Dunn PDJ. Isasi T. Chenoy R. Calvert E. Jones PW. Foden Shroff J. Redman CWE.
Institution:
C.W.E. Redman, Academic Dept. Obstetrics Gynaecol., N. Staffordshire NHS Hospital Trust, City General Hospital, Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs. ST4 6QG; United Kingdom.
Title:
The provision of information leaflets before colposcopy beneficial? A prospective randomised study. (1999 2702).
Source:
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Vol 106(6) (pp28-534), 1999.
Abstract:
Objective. To assess the usefulness of a leaflet distributed to women before colposcopy designed to reduce their anxiety and psychosexual morbidity by providing information. Design. Prospective randomised study. Setting. Colposcopy clinic of a large district general hospital. Sample. Two hundred consecutive women undergoing colposcopy for the first time for a cervical cytological abnormality of severity no greater than moderate dyskaryosis. Methods. Women were randomised into one of two groups (leaflet or control). Those in the leaflet group were sent an information leaflet prior to attending the clinic. In the colposcopy clinic all the women completed a State/Trait Anxiety Inventory (StAI/TrAI) and a modified psychosexual questionnaire before undergoing colposcopy. This was repeated at the six-month follow up visit. Women in the leaflet group also completed a further questionnaire on the leaflet. Main outcome measures. Differences of anxiety and psychosexual scores between leaflet and control groups.
Results:
The leaflet was well received. There were no statistical differences in StAI and TrAI scores between the study group and the control group at either visit, although in the whole study population StAI and TrAI scores were reduced at the second visit. The leaflet group had significantly more psychosexual problems but by the second visit, the scores had improved and the two groups were similar. When the mean differences in anxiety and psychosexual scores at the initial and second visits were compared between the groups, the reduction in negative sexual feelings and deterioration of TrAI scores experienced by the leaflet group was significant. Conclusions. This study suggests that the provision of sending an information leaflet prior to colposcopy is not beneficial in isolation. Other approaches need to be considered.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What is the cervix?
- 2 What is a cervical polyp?
- 3 What is meant by cervical erosion (ectopy) and cervicitis?
- 4 What is the transformation zone?
- 5 What is a 'Paptest' (PAP test (cervical smear) test)
- 6 My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows inflammation. Should I be worried?
- 7 What are cells and what is an abnormal (pre- malignant) cell?
- 8 My PAP smear test (cervical smear) shows abnormal cells. Does this mean that I have cancer?
- 9 What is meant by the terms pre-malignant cells, dyskaryosis, dysplasia and CIN?
- 10 What are the symptoms of pre-malignancy of the cervix?
- 11 What are benign and malignant tumours?
- 12 Why have I developed a pre-malignant condition of my cervix?
- 13 What is colposcopy?
- 14 What treatments are available for pre-malignant conditions of the cervix?
- 15 Can pre-malignant conditions of the cervix be cured?
- 16 How can I be re-assured that the pre-malignant changes will not recur?
- 17 How can we prevent carcinoma of the cervix?
- 18 Is there a reason to screen for HPV?
- 19 Support Groups.
- 20 Are there any support groups?
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
