Anxiety levels and methods of coping with stress of adolescents undergoing their first gynecological examination

Anxiety Connected with Pelvic Ultrasound in Adolescents and Their Caregivers: Comparison of Transabdominal and Transrectal Approaches

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) is usually the first approach for diagnosis of reproductive tract complaints in all adolescents. However, there are instances when transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is more feasible. Although TRUS is considered more invasive and distressing, evidence-based data are lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of anxiety in adolescents subjected to TAUS and TRUS and in their caregivers.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, data were prospectively gathered using 2 instruments: the adult or child version of the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI or STAIC) and a self-developed survey.

RESULTS

TAUS and TRUS are connected with high-level anxiety in patients and moderate anxiety in caregivers, as measured by the STAI/STAIC questionnaires. TRUS-related anxiety, fear, discomfort, and pain in adolescents are significantly higher compared with TAUS. The TRUS-related anxiety of caregivers, as well as the parent-estimated fear, discomfort, and pain of adolescents, is significantly higher compared with TAUS. Anticipated pain connected to TRUS is significantly higher than the post-exam, actually experienced pain. Pain and shame are the main reasons for adolescent anxiety connected with TRUS, whereas shame and unknown experience contribute to TAUS-related anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Given the high level of anxiety associated with both exams, additional support should be provided to patients scheduled for any pelvic ultrasound exam. Given the even higher level of adolescent anxiety related to TRUS, specialists should be encouraged to train in TAUS and make efforts to begin with this approach. Because increased caregiver anxiety could adversely affect a child's reactions, anxiety-reducing interventions should be oriented toward the caregivers as well as the patients.

Privacy, Self-Esteem, Anxiety in Women Having Pelvic Examination

This study aims to determine the privacy perception, self-esteem and anxiety levels of women undergoing pelvic examination and influencing factors. This web-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 415 women who underwent pelvic examination. The data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Body Privacy Scale for Gynecology and Obstetrics, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the State Anxiety Inventory. It was found that self-esteem (R² = .055, p < .0001) and state anxiety (R² = .037, p: .004) were significantly related to body privacy perceptions. The results of the study showed that making a statement to the women before the examination positively affected their perception of privacy. It is recommended for health professionals to be trained on the importance of privacy and communication during pelvic examination to increase their awareness on the topic.