Anxiety levels in women attending colposcopy clinics for treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia: a randomised trial of written and video information.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effectiveness of video information in reducing the level of anxiety in women attending Colposcopy clinics.


METHODS
An observational study followed by a randomised trial.


METHODS
Colposcopy Clinic, Royal Free Hospital, London.


METHODS
Between April and December 1999, all new referrals to the clinic with a cervical smear showing moderate or severe dyskaryosis.


METHODS
The level of anxiety measured by the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory.


CONCLUSIONS
Women attending colposcopy clinics for either diagnosis or treatment, experience a high level of anxiety. The highest levels occur in women attending a one-stop see and treat clinic. The introduction of visual information in the form of an explanatory video prior to attendance significantly reduced anxiety.
Freeman-Wang
T
T
Academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
Walker
P
P
Linehan
J
J
Coffey
C
C
Glasser
B
B
Sherr
L
L
D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003626:Data Display; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010174:Pamphlets; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D006113:United Kingdom; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D014743:Videotape Recording; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy