Anxiety And Baseline Knowledge Of Colposcopy Study
Posted Date: Aug 17, 2021
- Investigator: Rhea Eubanks
- Specialties:
- Type of Study: Observational/Survey
Cervical cancer is known to be the third most common gynecologic cancer and third most common gynecologic cancer related death in the United States1. The overwhelming majority of cervical cancer is related to HPV infection and mostly defined as either of adenocarcinoma or squamous histology1. It is estimated that there is an incidence of 14,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer each year in the United States with around 4300 cervical cancer related deaths that occur each year1. However, with the routine practice of the Papanicolaou (Pap) Smear and use of HPV co-testing, there has been a significant reduction in the incidence and mortality rate from cervical cancer in the United States2,3. Patients with an abnormal pap smear require timely follow-up with colposcopy with potential biopsy, potential treatment with loop electrode excision procedure (LEEP) or cold knife cone (CKC) procedures, or more frequent screening with pap smear and co-testing4,5. With adequate screening, follow-up and treatment with LEEP or CKC procedure, cervical cancer can be a very preventable disease5. In spite of having these screenings and procedures, it has been observed that historically disenfranchised women including those with lower socioeconomic status, lower education and non-white race, especially Black women have higher rates of cervical cancer2,5,6. Minority women, including Black and Latina women, have higher rates of incidence and death from cervical cancer when compared to White women1,4,6. Unfortunately, this disparity can be seen partly due to lost to follow up for abnormal pap smear results. Some studies suggest poor understanding, misconceptions, poor explanation on importance of cervical cancer screening and follow up to be reasons for these disparities seen4,6. There is also evidence of patient anxiety and stress following an abnormal pap smear result and anticipating colposcopy procedure. One study reported patients have concerns about risk of infertility and fear of cancer after receiving an abnormal pap smear results11. Some patients even believe their abnormal pap smear results is equivocal to a cervical cancer diagnosis which can act as a barrier to follow-up11. Another study hypothesized that the psychological distress surrounding need for colposcopy as well as little understanding of abnormal pap smear results can lead to delayed follow-up12. These discrepancies are seen in colposcopy clinics within the University of Cincinnati’s outpatient centers, where many patients do not show up for their scheduled colposcopy appointment or show up but are not completely aware of why they need this procedure. It is important to assess the anxiety level and baseline knowledge level of the significance of an abnormal pap smear result within the patient population presenting to colposcopy clinic at the University of Cincinnati. Thus, we are interested in measuring the baseline anxiety and knowledge about abnormal pap smears and the colposcopy procedure. Participants will come from colposcopy clinic. They will be given information about the study. Participation is completely voluntary.
Criteria:
Patients Who Are Over Age Of 18 Years Old Presenting To Colposcopy Clinic For A Colposcopy Or Keep Procedure
Keywords:
Colposcopy, Leep, Anxiety
For More Information:
Rhea Eubanks, Md
NULL
eubankrb@ucmail.uc.edu