title: [A qualitative study of physical experiences associated with cervical screenings].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Papnicolauo (Pap) smear screening is an invasive examination that intrudes upon women's privacy, forcing them to physically perceive both inner and external worlds. This subjective physical experience has rarely been explored in the literature.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article explores the subjective physical experiences of patients undergoing cervical screening.
  
  
  METHODS
  This phenomenological study employed purposive sampling; five females were recruited. All provided informed consent and were enrolled as participants. The content analysis method analyzed and categorized interview content.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 3 main themes associated with participant experiences were: Loss of physical control (e. g., negative feelings, body unresponsive to mental commands); interaction between the subjective and objective body (e.g., objectification of the body, subjectification of gender); experiencing the spatial dimensions of the body (e.g., bodily exposure, protection).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings recommend healthcare providers help pap smear recipients strengthen "inter-subjectivity" and focus on "body space" to enhance patients' "physical consciousness" and "physical emotions."
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, National Yang-Ming University, Republic of China.
authors.forename: Ching-Mei
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Hsien-Feng
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Hsien-Hsien
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Chiang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000523:psychology*