Confusion and anxiety in between abnormal cervical cancer screening results and colposcopy: “The land of the unknown”

Racquel E. Kohler, Jennifer Hemler, Rachel B. Wagner, Brittany Sullivan, Myneka Macenat, Erin K. Tagai, Suzanne M. Miller, Kuang Yi Wen, Charletta Ayers, Mark H. Einstein, Shawna V. Hudson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Attendance to colposcopy after abnormal cervical cancer screening is essential to cervical cancer prevention. This qualitative study explored patients' understanding of screening results, their experiences of the time leading up to the colposcopy appointment, and colposcopy. Methods: We recruited women referred for colposcopy from two urban practices in an academic health system. Individual interviews (N = 15) with participants were conducted after colposcopy appointments about their cervical cancer screening histories, current results, and colposcopy experiences. A team analyzed and summarized interviews and coded transcripts in Atlas.ti. Results: We found that most women were confused about their screening results, did not know what a colposcopy was before being referred for one, and experienced anxiety in the interval between receiving their results and having their colposcopy. Most women searched for information online, but found “misinformation,” “worst-case scenarios” and generic information that did not resolve their confusion. Conclusion: Women had little understanding of their cervical cancer risk and experienced anxiety looking for information and waiting for the colposcopy. Educating patients about cervical precancer and colposcopy, providing tailored information about their abnormal screening test results and potential next steps, and helping women manage distress may alleviate uncertainty while waiting for follow-up appointments. Practice implications: Interventions to manage uncertainty and distress in the interval between receiving an abnormal screening test result and attending colposcopy are needed, even among highly adherent patients.

Original languageEnglish
Article number107810
Pages (from-to)107810
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Volume114
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2023

Keywords

  • Cervical cancer screening
  • HPV
  • Health communication
  • Colposcopy
  • Early Detection of Cancer
  • Humans
  • Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/diagnosis
  • Vaginal Smears
  • Papillomavirus Infections
  • Pregnancy
  • Anxiety/diagnosis
  • Mass Screening
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/diagnosis
  • Female

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