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Distress after an abnormal Pap smear result: scale development and psychometric validation
Eileen Shinn1, Karen Basen-Engquist, Tao Le
1Department of Behavioral Science, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA. eshinn@mdanderson.org
Preventive Medicine
|July 1, 2004
Summary
A new questionnaire, the Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire (CDDQ), reliably measures distress in women with abnormal Pap smear results. This tool aids in understanding and addressing psychological distress, improving follow-up care for cervical cancer screening.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Psychometric Validation
- Women's Health
Background:
- Abnormal Pap smear findings cause significant psychological distress in women.
- This distress contributes to a high rate of non-adherence to recommended follow-up testing (10-61%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a comprehensive questionnaire measuring distress in women with abnormal Pap smear results.
- To improve understanding of the psychosocial impact of abnormal cervical cancer screening tests.
Main Methods:
- Developed the 23-question Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire (CDDQ) based on the PEAPS-Q.
- Tested internal consistency and validity in 661 women undergoing colposcopy after abnormal Pap smears.
- Utilized factor analysis to identify distinct domains of distress.
Main Results:
- The CDDQ comprises two main sets of items: distress during medical procedures and perceived consequences of abnormal results.
- Items factor analyzed into four domains: embarrassment, discomfort/tension, sexual/reproductive concerns, and health concerns.
- Subscales demonstrated high internal consistency (alpha 0.76-0.90) and good concurrent validity.
Conclusions:
- The Cervical Dysplasia Distress Questionnaire (CDDQ) is a reliable and valid instrument.
- It effectively measures multiple domains of distress specific to women with abnormal cervical cancer screening results.
- The CDDQ can aid in identifying women needing psychosocial support to ensure follow-up adherence.